The King of all tributes

By Vera Zukelman

Sure, we all take the time to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. this time this year on the anniversary of his birthday. Though few of us have as vivid a memory of the man as Jimmy Hayes does.

“We got arrested at one of the sit-ins, he told us not to get angry if someone throws something at us or insults us,” recalled Hayes, a Flatbush-based singer who was arrested along with King at a civil rights march in Atlanta. “Meeting him was amazing, it was really an honor. That day is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Hayes will certainly recall that day when he performs at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Jan. 17 with his a capella group The Persuasions as part of the Fort Greene institution’s annual King Day celebration.

The legendary group formed 50 years ago in Bedford-Stuyvesant, and its performance will include some songs that go back that far, plus the obligatory rendition of the tune, “I Have a Dream.”

“This is an event the Brooklyn community believes in, and we need to continue and spread his words,” said Hayes. “It seems today young people aren’t familiar with him as much as they should be. This event will help them learn who he is and what he stood for.”

Joining The Persuasions will be the Reverend Timothy Wright Memorial Choir of the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center, award-winning novelist Walter Mosley, and dozens of local pols, some of whom carry through King’s lasting legacy.

Institutions across the borough will also honor Dr. King, with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights hosting a weekend birthday bash from Jan. 15-17 featuring storytelling and dancing; and Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts in Flatbush throwing a free community concert complete with gospel singers on Jan. 17.

Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music [30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place in Fort Greene, (718) 636-4100], Jan. 17 at 10:30 am. Free. For info, visit www.bam.org; “Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend Birthday Bash” at Brooklyn Children’s Museum [145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue in Crown Heights, (718) 735-4400], Jan. 15-17 from 10 am-5 pm. For info, visit www.brooklynkids.org; “MLK Celebration” at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts [2900 Campus Rd. at Hillel Place in Flatbush, (718) 951-4500], Jan. 17 at 6 pm. Free. For info, visit www.brooklyncenter.com.

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Sometimes you feel like a nut...

Besides mistletoe, egg nog and that sweater from grandma, there’s no greater holiday tradition than “The Nutcracker.” But no two “Nutcrackers” are alike, so we checked them all out to give you an insider’s guide:

The Classics

From Dec. 22-Jan. 2, the American Ballet Theatre brings “The Nutcracker” to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. A live orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s famous score, while more than 100 performers will bring the magical toy soldiers, sparkling fairies, mischievous mice, and, of course, young Clara and her wooden prince to life. 

In Bay Ridge, the Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company (right) borrows ballerina Jennifer Ringer, principal of the New York City Ballet, once again for a full-length production on Dec. 19. Ringer stars as the Sugar Plum Fairy, while the rest of the cast is rounded out by the young members of the company for a particularly sweet production.

Similarly, over at the Kingsborough Performing Arts Center, the Brighton Ballet Theater’s Russian American Kids Ballet revives the holiday classic on Dec. 12, with lavish costumes, splendid scenery, and a junior company of more than 50 young dancers in an abridged production. You can catch the Brighton Ballet Theater again at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, as the company performs all your favorite excerpts from “The Nutcracker”  on Dec. 19.

American Ballet Theatre at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Gilman Opera House [30 Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street in Fort Greene, (718) 636-4100], Dec. 22-Jan. 2. Tickets $20-$135. For info, visit bam.org; Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company, Dec. 19 at 7 pm and Dec. 20 at 2 pm at the Poly Prep Country Day School [Seventh Avenue at 92nd Street in Bay Ridge, (347) 517-4169]. Tickets, $25–$35. For info, visit www.vspac.com; Kingsborough Community College [2001 Oriental Blvd. at Decatur Avenue in Manhattan Beach, (718) 368-5596], Dec. 18 at 2 pm. Tickets $12. For info, visit www.kbcc.cuny.edu; Brighton Ballet Theater at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum [145 Brooklyn Ave. between St. Marks Avenue and Prospect Place in Crown Heights, (718) 735-4400], Dec. 19 at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Admission $7.50. For info, visit www.brooklynkids.org.

Cracked

“The Nutcracker” wasn’t known for humor until Mark Morris’s “The Hard Nut,” an irreverent take now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Dec. 10-19. Morris’s troupe transplants the story from the decorous 1890s to the swinging 1970s, and live music will be provided by the MMDG Music Ensemble with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus.

The Gowanus-based Company XIV, known for its sensuous, Baroque-inspired performances, gives “The Nutcracker” an erotic makeover with its “Nutcracker Rouge” (left), running Dec. 10-Jan. 9. In keeping with the company’s opulent flair, this retelling promises to be a hedonistic display of gorgeous and decadent winter entertainment, complete with burlesque that further strays off book as it blends pieces by Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Duke Ellington, with text inspired “The Nutcracker” and “Little Red Riding Hood.” That, at least, explains the “rouge.”

“The Colonial Nutcracker,” an annual, hour-long production at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 12, sets the action in wintry colonial Yorktown in Virginia, during the Revolutionary War. That makes for a red-coated mouse army and an enchanted nutcracker prince in, naturally, a powder wig.

“The Hard Nut” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House [30 Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street in Fort Greene, (718) 636-4100], Dec. 10, 11, and 15-18 at 7:30 pm, and Dec. 12 and 19 at 3 pm. Tickets $25-$70. For info, visit bam.org; “Nutcracker Rouge” at Company XIV (303 Bond St. at Union Street in Gowanus, no phone), Dec. 10-Jan. 9, Friday-Sunday at 8 pm. Tickets $25-$40. For info, visit www.companyxiv.com; “The Colonial Nutcracker” at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College [2900 Campus Rd. at Hillel Place in Flatbush, (718) 951-4600 X22], Dec. 12 at 2 pm. Tickets, $6. For info, visit www.brooklyncenteronline.org.

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Spend Valentine's Day in the Heart of Brooklyn

The Heart of Brooklyn cultural campus promises a memorable Valentine’s Day weekend for families, couples and friends alike. Special Valentine’s events will be taking place at the leading cultural institutions located near Grand Army Plaza in central Brooklyn through February 14.

Nearby, top restaurants, shops and bars will help to set a romantic mood and some are also offering a “Brooklyn Bonus” as part of February’s ShopBrooklyn event. Don’t-miss “dates” for Valentine’s weekend 2010 include:

Take the whole family to Prospect Park’s (95 Prospect Park West at Fifth Street) Wollman Rink for their Valentine’s Day Special. A treat for all ages, love is in the air and Wollman Rink, Brooklyn’s only outdoor skating rink, is cutting its admission prices in half. February 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; skate rental charge not included.

Hop on The HOB Connection old-fashioned trolley for a free guided tour between Heart of Brooklyn’s cultural partners and through Prospect Park, 95 Prospect Park West at Fifth Street. Learn some history about the area and enjoy free candy on board. Free between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., February 14; visit Heart of Brooklyn’s Web site for routes and times.

Animal enthusiasts can warm up at the Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue, this Valentines Day with an “Animal Dating and Mating” program. Make valentines treats for Brooklyn’s furriest couples, discuss reproductive strategies on a zoo tour, and learn why size really does matter. Games, a live animal demo and tasty treats included. From 2-3:30 p.m., February 14; advance registration required at ppzeducation@wcs.org or 718-399-7339 extension 326; $10 for non-members, $8 members, ages 18 and over. For loving families, be sure to visit a troop of Geoffroy’s tamarins, a favorite of Brooklyn families who can certainly relate monkey behaviors to their own.

For “budding” love, join a Seasonal Highlights Tour (free with admission) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Avenue. The Steinhardt Conservatory is the place to visit in February, where you’ll see a magical procession of South African bulbs — including lachenalias, moraeas, and clivias — in the Helen Mattin Warm Temperate Pavilion. Meet outside the Visitors Center at 1 p.m., February 13 or 14.

Double date: See two new exhibitions at Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, both opening February 12. “To Live Forever” explores the Egyptians’ beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. In the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, experience “Kiki Smith: Sojourn,” a site-specific installation exploring ideas of creative inspiration and the cycle of life in relation to women artists.

At Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue at St. Mark’s Avenue, kids young and old can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special “Love Potion #9” brew at the greenhouse (1:30 p.m.) and “I Love You Because…” story time (2:30 p.m.) for younger kids. Visit website for details.

Have a sweet tooth? Stop by Joyce Bakeshop, 646 Vanderbilt Avenue, to pick up sugar cookies with Valentine sayings, heart-shaped chocolate cakes, red velvet cakes for two, and more. Valentine’s pastries are available through Valentine’s Day weekend.

Kids and their families can make a Valentine’s Day Craft at various Brooklyn Public Library sites throughout the borough; check website for details. On February 14 at 4 p.m., begin your Valentine’s evening on a musical “note” at Brooklyn Public Library’s Dweck Center (Central Library) and enjoy an interlude with violinist Jessica Lee.

For couples who want to eat to a beat, Ortine Cafe, 622 Washington Avenue, will have live music at 8 p.m., February 13. Celebrate an early Valentine’s Day and enjoy this restaurant’s delicious local fare.

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MLK tributes in Brooklyn

January 18 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Here in Brooklyn, several institutions are marking the day with tributes, musicial and otherwise.

Here's a look at what's happening to commemorate King's abbreviated life:

Brooklyn Children's Museum
Kids learn that words have power by analyzing the “I Have a Dream” speech.
Where: 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks
When: Saturday, Jan. 16 to Monday, Jan. 18 at 11:30 am

Brooklyn Academy of Music
Tribute featuring Danny Glover and the New Life Tabernacle Mass Choir. Plus every politician in town.
Where: 30 Lafayette Ave. near St. Felix Street
When: Monday, January 18 at 10:30 am
Cost: Free

Kumble Theater at Long Island University
Shades of Truth Theatre presents “The Meeting,” a fictional account of MLK and Malcolm X.
Where: DeKalb and Flatbush avenues
When: Monday, January 18 at 3 pm and 6:30 pm
Cost: $25 ($15 for students and seniors)

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College
Featuring the Grammy-Award winning gospel group Sounds of Blackness.
Where: 2900 Campus Rd. at Hillel Place
When: 6 pm
Cost: Free

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Join the 'in crowd' at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

While school’s out (December 24-January 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily), the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the “in” place to be, during their annual Winter Break Festival - World of Celebrations.

Back by popular demand, this year’s festival boasts unique interactive family programs exploring toys, holiday customs, and seasonal traditions from across the globe like a toy inventors’ workshop, making peace doves, decorating gingerbread people, and much more (The museum is closed December 25 and January 1). All special programs are included with Museum admission.

Featured holiday programs include: Winter Wonderland (January’s installment of the Blooming Babies toddler workshop series), Beastly Feasts (December’s family science Chase Wonder Why Workshop) and Family Celebrations: Holly Jolly Decorations.

Don’t forget to stop by the new visiting exhibition Top Secret: Mission Toy, a perfect place to discover playthings from around the world through January 3.

December 26 and 27
--Family Celebrations: Kwanzaa (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) ages 5 and under. Find out about seven principles of Kwanzaa, or nguzo saba and make your own Kwanzaa-inspired work of art to take home.

--Harvest Gifts (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 6+. Join in exploring mazao (the gathering of crops), a central theme of the Kwanzaa holiday. Kwanzaa not only commemorates ancient African harvest festivals, but also celebrates the rewards that come when a community works together. Discover your own harvest gifts, as you plant your own seed to take home and grow.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Family Celebrations: Kwanzaa (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Find out about seven principles of Kwanzaa, or nguzo saba and make your own Kwanzaa-inspired work of art to take home.

--Chase Wonder Why Workshop: Beastly Feasts (3-4 p.m.) All ages. For the holidays share feasts with family. Join in Neighborhood Nature and explore animals feasting right in their own habitat. Discover a variety of animal adaptations and survival methods with BCM’s live animal expert.

--Circle Time (4:00-4:30pm) All Ages. Come hear stories from around the world.

December 28 & 29
--Hope for Peace (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Doves are an ancient symbol of peace. Come spread the message by decorating a snow-white bird in the preschoolers’ Art Studio, where we will display your masterpiece during the holiday season.

--Holiday Snapshots (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. Create a snapshot of your family and decorate your own unique picture frame.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Festive Films (1:30-2 p.m.) All Ages. Warm up this winter season with a good movie. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--‘Tis the Season for Giving: Toy Inventor’s Workshop (20-3:30 p.m.) All ages. In Top Secret: Mission Toy explore toys from around the world. Little inventors can put their thinking caps to the test as we create marvelous toys that zip, bop and whirrrr.

--Hope for Peace (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Doves are an ancient symbol of peace. Come spread the message by decorating a snow-white bird in the preschoolers’ Art Studio, where your masterpiece will be displayed during the holiday season.

--Festive Films (3-3:30 p.m.) All ages. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--Circle Time (4-4:30 p.m.) All ages. Come hear stories from around the world.December 30 & 31--Holiday Snapshots (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. Create a snapshot of your family and decorate your own unique picture frame.

--New Year’s Celebration (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Get ready for the New Year with hands-on activities brought to you by the number 2010.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Festive Films (1:30-2 p.m.) All ages. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--‘Tis the Season for Giving: Toy Inventor’s Workshop (2:00-3:30pm) All ages. In Top Secret: Mission Toy explore toys from around the world. Little inventors can put their thinking caps to the test as we create marvelous toys that zip, bop and whirrrr.

--New Year’s Celebration (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Get ready for the New Year with hands-on activities brought to you by the number 2010.

--Festive Films (3-3:30 p.m.) All ages. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--Circle Time (4-4:30 p.m.) All ages. Come hear stories from around the world.

January 2 & 3
--World Passport Workshop: Magnificent Camels (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. See how the people of Bikaner, India celebrate the ships of the desert during the annual Camel Festival. Create our own charms and other decorations believed to protect travelers and display wealth on long journeys across the desert.

--Blooming Babies: Winter Wonderland (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 18 months- 2 ½ years. Create a winter wonderland landscape with puffy paint, as you learn what people from different cultures wear to keep warm during the winter months.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Can’t Catch Me (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Come hear the classic tale of the Gingerbread Man, then decorate your own version of that “quick” little cookie…if you can catch him.

--Kitchen Chemistry: Food pHun (1:30-2:30 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. Put your taste buds to the (litmus) test as you explore acids and bases in the science kitchen.

--Circle Time (4-4:30 p.m.) All ages. Come hear stories from around the world.****The Museum is at 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue); call 718-735-4400. Admission is $7.50.

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