Event Picks for Oct. 7-25, 2009

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"My House" at the New Victory

"My House" at the New Victory

This list does NOT include the Halloween events. That list will come out later this week (hoping for tomorrow!). It is up NOW!(check it for pumpkin patches and harvest festivals.)

This listing includes a lot of theater (for the youngest of us all and for 7 years and up), a pajama disco party, events for expectant parents, a recommended School Fair and more. If you are expecting, myself and the founder of Baby Bites Brooklyn are giving a talk called, ” Strollers, Birth Plans, Nannies … Oh My! — Two of Brooklyn’s In-The-Know Moms Tell You Everything You Want to Know in Preparation for Baby”. We have done it a couple of times before and people have said they have learned a ton.  Rememb: Halloween events will go up this week. There are OODLES OF HALLOWEEN events coming up!

Here is what is on my personal list of to dos:

  • recommending “My House” at the New Vic to everyone- it was super sweet and funny.
  • Amy Sohn reading at the Richard Meier building on Thursday
  • buying tickets (way ahead of time!) for the Disco Pajama Party
  • Going to Big Movies for Little Kids with Birch next Monday (so excited to see Linnea in Monet’s garden)

Friday, October 2 through October 11: various times: Puppetry from Scotland
The Man Who Planted Trees by Scotland’s award-winning Puppet State Theatre Company  is being presented as part of the New Victory Scottish Festival. It has received many coveted awards and distinctions, including the Total Theatre Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2008), Scotland’s Eco Prize for Creativity (2007), and Best Children’s Show at Brighton Festival Fringe (2009).  Interestingly, the show was also named by Arts & Ecology magazine as one of just 22 artistic projects in the world “representing something unique. I went to the New Vic this last weekend and all the staff were raving about The Man Who Planted Trees. They all thought it was truly funny. To purchase tickets online visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010. Ages 7 to adult. Full-price tickets for individual productions, as low as $12.50 each,

Friday, October 2 – October 18: various times: Cardboard Box Theater from Scotland
I took Birch to this last Saturday. IT IS LOVELY! Birch turned to me with a smile and laugh about every 30 seconds while watching this Scottish production. He said “the performer is magic.” That’s how all the children saw Andy and his cardboard box as he turned it into various shapes and homes. It was sweet, funny and paced well. I definitely would recommend this production as a first theater experience.  The production of “My House” is for children 0-3 years – which is rather refreshing. There is very little theater for this age group and with reason- it is really hard to entertain them.  To purchase tickets online visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010. Full-price tickets for individual productions, as low as $12.50 each,

November 7: 2-5 pm: Baby Loves Disco
BLD is usually sold out, so I am listing this event WAY ahead of time, so you won’t lose out!  Nov. 7th Pajama Party at BLD. The party is at favorite local place Southpaw- where you can snack (healthily), read books and hula hoop and just disco with scarves and instruments. A total blast and well worth it.
$12 online advance purchase, $15 at the door. Price is for each walking human. Buy tickets online at www.babylovesdisco.com.  Southpaw, 125 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217  http://www.spsounds.com/

Thursday, October 8: 7-9pm: Controversial Amy Sohn Reading at Richard Meier On Prospect Park
Okay, so have you read the book Prospect Park West? It’s the book that is on most mom’s tongues these days. I had one heated discussion on a playground with 2 moms that were irate with the book’s stereotyping and derogatory comments about stay at home moms.  Another older mom  thought it was “fun” and “racy” and didn’t feel offended since it didn’t attack her as it wasn’t about her (as an older mom).   “Fun and racy” are why Sarah Jessica Parker optioned it for HBO. I read the book,  Prospect Park West, and here is my quick review: the book is full of cliched representations of moms that just seem downright mean peppered with place and name dropping that make it feel even more like a long version of “US” magazine.  Sadly I got sucked in, like I sometimes do with “US” magazine.  I wanted to finish it to find out how these four selfish moms (that I couldn’t imagine ever being friendly with) turned themselves around.  It was a little like hoping that Britney Spears might find redemption and become a loving parent.  (A small spoiler: the characters change in superficial ways and you aren’t sure they are long-lasting, not unlike Britney’s newfound interest in parenting).  At any rate, the book is very fun to discuss since it is so controversial and gets so many passionate responses and the author, Amy Sohn,  even more so. Suffice it to say, just google her. I can’t wait to hear her read, see the Q and A (hopefully it will get heated) and check out the Richard Meier Building too!  So, here’s the event: Momasphere (www.momasphere.com), will host bestselling author, Amy Sohn for a book reading of her latest novel Prospect Park West on (www.onprospectpark.com). Book Court will offer discounted copies of the book at the event for $20. It’s for moms of ALL ages and includes free wine, food, gift bags and live music, plus a chance to win great high end raffle prizes! A portion of the proceeds goes to Children Of The City.” Price:  Tickets will be $10 online & $15 at the door (on a first-come-first-served basis). Cash only to purchase tickets at the door. Space is limited so please RSVP by purchasing tickets online at www.momasphere.com/upcoming-events.(1 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY) 11238

Saturday, October 10, 2:30-3:30pm and Sunday, October 11, 2:30-3:30pm: Don’t Get Burned
During Fire Prevention Awareness Week, children ages 5 and under are invited for storytelling and practicing the “stop, drop, and roll” technique. Try on a real firefighter’s helmet from the Museum’s collection and create your own paper fire truck to take home. Brooklyn Children’s Museum  www.brooklynkids.org

Saturday, October 10, 2009 – May 31, 2010: various times: Butterflies in the Conservatory
Did you miss this last time around? No worries then, the Butterfly Exhibit is reopening October 10th and for a long time, so you can go back too! The Museum is open daily, 10:00 a.m.—5:45 p.m.  Timed entrance to The Butterfly Conservatory is available every fifteen minutes from 10:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The last timed-entry to the exhibition is at 5:00 p.m.  Adults:  $24.00, Children (2-12):  $14.00
Senior/Student with ID:  $18.00http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/butterflies/

Sunday, October 11th: 4-5 pm: Storytime at P.S. is back!
The lovely P.S. bookshop has restarted their wonderful story hour- it seemed like a long summer without it! Yuvai loves doing it and he is so enthusiastic about books, it is catching for all ages. The story hour is for ages 1-5 years. Yuvai also plays guitar and sings during it.  P.S. Bookshop 145A Front Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Phone: 718.222.3340

Monday, October 12: 12-4 pm:  Tribeca Pediatric and Realbirth Hells Kitchen Grand Opening
Realbirth, known as a place to take childcare education classes, form moms groups and more is pairing up with Tribeca Pediatrics. They will be pairing up in Park Slope shortly too.  They are also pairing up in Tribeca and Williamsburg.  At this grand opening, there will be balloon sculptor, carnival food and drinks, for kids and adults (snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn machine), face & pregnant belly painter. This Grand Opening presents an opportunity to get a feel for the much-awaited opening of a new pediatric center – midtown and realbirth locations.  realbirth & bump-to-baby   715 9th Avenue   New York City, New York 10019  212-245-0796 www.realbirth.com    www.bump-to-baby.com

Monday, October 12th, 2009 Columbus Day : 12- 4:15 pm (times vary for each workshop)
Looking for something fun & creative for your kids to do on Columbus Day?  Budding artists, ages 10 to 19, can spend their day off from school at Introductory Art Workshops at The Educational Alliance’s Young Artist Program, to try out an art class before committing to a full course – and make an artwork to take home! The 2-hour hands-on art workshops are just $10 with materials included. Available workshops include: pottery, cartooning, photo-grams and drawing. Times vary for each workshop. Call 646-395-4237 for exact times and details. $10 All-Inclusive Hands-On Workshops on Columbus Day:  Pottery, Cartooning, Photo-grams and Drawing.  To register, call 646-395-4237. Young Artist Program − Introductory Art Workshops at The Educational Alliance Art School 197 East Broadway  (Between Jefferson & Clinton Street)  New York, NY 10002 http://www.edalliance.org/artschool Trains: F, D, J, Z, M; Buses: M9, M14A, M15, M22

October 15-November 1st: Hansel and Gretel from Scotland
The New Victory Theater is having a Scottish Festival and one of the productions they have brought over is Hansel and Gretel,  based on an original work by the National Theatre of Scotland (Black Watch). Audiences of 100 at a time take an eerie “promenade” through a New Vic that is transformed from basement to balcony into a haunted forest and other surprising destinations.  Playgoers will follow the path of Hansel and Gretel as the pair journeys from their kitschy 1970s inspired home through a spooky forest and into the dangerous clutches of a bald-headed witch who is at once nasty, funny and completely off-her-rocker.  Hansel and Gretel features live music – and for a little nostalgia and camp – a few Bay City Rollers’ tunes in the soundtrack.  The show received wide acclaim last year when it was the featured holiday show at the Barbican in London.  Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more New Vic shows qualify for free Membership benefits, including 30% savings.  To purchase tickets online visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010.

October 16th-18th: Demystifying High School Arts Workshop: Various Time
Starting Artists will be offering a special 3-day workshop for 7th and 8th graders interested in applying to visual arts-specific high schools from October 16 – October 18.  Learn the ins and outs of the audition process from current high schoolers who have been through it and prepare your portfolio with SA staff and special guest teachers.  For schedule, pricing, and questions: www.startingartists.org/HS.html or email Lacey

Saturday, October 17, 11:30am-12:30pm and Sunday, October 18, 11:30am-12:30pm: Diwali:  Tales of Light – A Hindu Celebration
A celebration of Diwali—the Hindu festival of lights! The holiday is a time for families to share in rich traditions, decorate their homes, and tell magical stories about heroes, gods, and goddesses! Come hear legends associated with this special day, and make your own Diwali art to decorate your home.  Enjoy the BCM’s new exhibition and Hindu Celebrations. Ages 6+ Brooklyn Children’s Museum  www.brooklynkids.org

**Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18th: 11 am- 6 pm: Super Local Pumpkin Patch
Pick out your Jack O’ Lantern, decorative gourds and choose sweet pumpkins for use in seasonal dishes, all from local farm S&So Farms of Goshen NY.   Jungle (http://jungledesignnyc.com/) is on 61 Kent between North 10th and 11th and open from 11-6. Phone: 347-497-2579

Sunday, October 18: 11 am – 3 pm: Schoolfest
Last year this school fest, put on my Town Square Inc, was a huge success. Go early as some of the vendors left on the early side apparently.  They will have tables from all the schools, day care centers, and child service providers in Greenpoint, Williamsburg – and now, Bushwick and a student talent show.  They are also working to have a college presence this time.  Workshops are:  (1) Pre-K/Elementary choices/application, (2) Middle School choices/application, (3) High School choices/application, (4) Gifted & Talented programs, (5) Special Needs resources, (6) College applications and the disabled,  (7) College choices, (8) Student Loans, and more.  Held at 325 Bushwick Avenue, home to both PS 147 and the Brooklyn Latin School.

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:00-8:30 pm: Strollers, Birth Plans, Nannies … Oh My! — Two of Brooklyn’s In-The-Know Moms Tell You Everything You Want to Know in Preparation for Baby
Please come out to our talk this night and say “hi” and bring all your questions! Chana (of Baby Bites Brooklyn) and I will talk about:

  • your delivery/birth options (what to really expect)
  • baby doulas, nurses, postpartum doulas (what they do, how much they cost, how to find one)
  • best brooklyn resources for new parents (lactation consultants, pediatricians, daycares etc.)
  • products products products (what to buy, what not to buy, what each product is for, where to get them)
  • childcare options (the lowdown on nannies & daycare)
  • breastfeeding tips (including advice on buying bottles, pacis, pumps, nursing bras, etc.) and more!
    One very lucky mom to be will take home a beautiful 100% organic crib bedding set from Q Collection Junior, valued at $395!

PLACE: Bump, 464 Bergen St. (btw. 5th Ave & Flatbush), Park Slope  COST: $25/single, $40/couple (prepayment required)
RSVP: [email protected]

Monday, October 19: 4 pm: Big Movies for Little Kids
If you haven’t done this before, this is a really fun event to do. It seems to sell out a lot so either buy advance tickets that are available directly at the cinema’s box office (after 1pm daily). To secure a seat, tickets may also be purchased on-line: www.cobblehilltheatre.com
Screening: Linnea in Monet’s Garden and Beethoven Lives Upstairs .  Ages: 2 and up (all ages welcome)  Location:  Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler.  Subway:  F train to Bergen St.  Cost: $6.50/pp (as per theatre policy, all walkers need a ticket).  For more info:  http://bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 3, 12:00-2:00 pm: How To Deal with Sleep
Baby Bites Brooklyn is hosting their first Williamsburg event and it will be on sleep. The sleep experts from Dream Team Baby will teach you everything you want to know to help your baby develop great sleeping habits, and will answer all your sleep questions. Topics will include:

  • tricks for setting up a nursery to encourage better sleep
  • which sleep products are worth buying
  • why babies need sleep and how much they need as they grow
  • how to avoid common sleep mistakes new parents make
  • ways to make sleep teaching easier on the entire family
  • strategies for getting yourself better sleep

One lucky mom will win a free one hour post-natal Pilates session with certified instructor Charlotte Blake (a $100 value).PLACE: Teddy’s, 96 Berry St. (at N. 8th St.), Williamsburg COST:    $35 in advance, $40 at the door. RSVP:   [email protected]

Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 10:30am & 12:00pm and Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 1:00pm & 2:30pm:  “Animal Tales” The Little Orchestra Society presents it’s latest LOLLI-POPS™ CONCERT for 3-5 YEAR OLDS.  Dino Anagnost, Conductor.  Performances are co-presented with the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College (899 Tenth Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets).   *The Gerald W. Lynch Theater is located on the west side of Tenth Avenue.  Robert McClosky was one of the great children’s authors and illustrators of this century. His most famous books being “Blueberries For Sal,” “Time of Wonder,” “One Morning In May,” and “Make Way for Ducklings,” which all received Caldicott Honors and he was named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress in 2000. This concert features Daniel Pinkham’s suite based on the Caldecott Award-winning children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings,” along with other favorites. *Ticket information: $12 and $40.  Maestro Circle subscriptions include meeting the Maestro and artists in the Green Room after the performances and provide the best seating in the concert hall. The Little Orchestra Society at 212-971-9500 to buy single tickets, or www.littleorchestra.org to buy single tickets and Fall/Spring subscriptions.


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