Go, go to BoCoCa

Christina Luca. Photo by Bryan Coppede

By Junico Simino

From July 17 - 26 the first BoCoCa Arts Festival will take over the region, featuring musicians, theater performances and visual artists.

The festival, which borrows a portmanteau for the neighborhoods it takes place in – Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens – is an opportunity for innovative artists to present their work in nontraditional venues and to support the local artists and businesses.

“People can expect brand new things that they’ve never seen before,” said Annie Keating, art and event director for the festival. “[It’s] an organic, artistic experience.”

Public Relations Director Mary Jo Keating said the idea for the festival came from “the richness of the place, the people, and the talent.”

The 10-day art festival will feature a theatrical performance each night followed by one or two musical acts at a local venue. There will also be visual art on display at the venues while each act is performing.Venues participating include Ceol Irish Pub, which will feature the world premiere of playwright and producer Sergei Burbank’s play, “The Third Seat,” Mobile Mutts, Micro Museum, Fiona & Ryan’s Art Exchange, Deity Bar & Lounge, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, Artez’n, and The Archip Gallery Theater.

According to Music Division Director Adam Scherer, the musical acts range from classical chamber music, to female singer/song writers, to indie rock groups, to funk and R&B.

“This year’s music division lineup features artists whose innovative works capture the breadth, vibrancy and energy of the New York music scene,” said Scherer. “It’s going to be exciting to watch.”

The music selection process was based on whether the acts complemented the theater performances that precede them. Almost all of the performers are from the Brooklyn area, and include Bill Rozar, Carly Howard, E-Boro Bandits, Hans Blix, I Oboe You Nothing, Jazzpollution, The Morning Code, The Populists, Project Trio, and more.

The festival is produced by Husky Dog Productions, a theater company located in Boerum Hill and run by Keating and the festival’s artistic producer, Eileen Trilli.

“The BoCoCa Arts Festival offers the opportunity to spend a night in a beautiful neighborhood, at an interesting venue, and experience outstanding art from multiple disciplines,” said Trilli. “It was our vision from the beginning that a combination of theater, music and art be paired and cast into a complimentary venue.”

Tickets are $16 each and cover the admission for one theater performance and all music acts at one venue for one night. For more information about performances and venues, log on to www.bococaartsfestival.com.