OTBKB was on hand for the second event in a weekly-recurring series of cultural offerings, taking place every Wednesday at Mister Rogers, a new studio space converted from a storefront in Crown Heights (231 Rogers Ave. between Union and President streets).
Billed as ‘For Locals, By Locals’, the series hosts events featuring talent curated by the Hoover Dam Collective. The mission is to showcase local artists, attractions and acts in and around Crown Heights, at gigs designed specifically for residents as a place to hang out, meet neighbors, drink locally and eat local bites.
The brainchild of the series is local promoter Avi Werde (of Event Connection Source and Franklin Avenue’s Cool Pony).
“We’re offering a rotating array of cultural formats and mediums,” Werde explained. “Everything from photographers, poets, musicians, food from local restaurants, dancers and comedians. You can access it all — and catch new, up-and-coming acts — every Wednesday night.”
The venue itself is an inviting if unassuming place, recently gut renovated (a wheelbarrow tucked away in the corner was literally still stockpiled with the last pile of detritus). An art gallery up front transitioned into a generous performance space towards the back.
Crown Heights is quickly emerging as a new neighborhood for young and talented professionals, but the event took strides to incorporate influences of the local Jewish community as well. Ruvi Lieder and Schneur Menaker’s photography lined the walls, with striking depictions of local Hasidic residents, and many Crown Heights natives wandered into the space, enjoying the performances with newer residents, even inquiring as to how they could showcase their own various talents at future dates in the series.
“Our goal is to keep this community thriving with events,” Werde added. “It’s a communal place — to showcase and support local endeavors of any flavor — while being entertained in good neighborly company.”
To be notified and keep up-to-date on future “For Locals, By Locals” events, simply follow them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/480744425335304/?directed_target_id=0