Andrew Mancilla: Lawyer by day, rocker by night

By J.J. Despain

Plenty of performers have worked with Lady Gaga and Ice-T — but only one has worked with one on stage and the other in court.

Andrew Mancilla, who leads a double life as both a criminal defense lawyer and a rocker, is that man, having performed with Lady Gaga and defended the rapper. And now he’ll trade his briefcase for a guitar and piano and headline the 56-artist BoCoCa Arts Festival next week.

But somehow, it all makes sense.

“Music and law both require a lot of creativity,” said Mancilla. “There is a beauty and an art to presenting one’s case to the jury. … When it plays out in the court, it can be a magnificent performance. It’s a different kind of music, but it has a rhythm, a tempo, a certain harmony, an excitement, and an emphasis on performance that parallels music.”

Mancilla lived in the so-called “BoCoCa” area while studying at Brooklyn Law School until 2010, when he both earned his law degree and released his debut album, “Static.” Now, with “associate” status at a Manhattan law firm and an upcoming music video, he can claim fluency in both legalese and the language of music.

“When I try cases on my own, I’ll frequently reference lines from songs,” he said. “And I just recently wrote a tune about cooperating witnesses that was inspired by my upcoming federal case.”

Mancilla’s pop style mixed with the bar exam is just one of many being featured at the 10-day festival running tonight through 26. He will be joining a troupe that includes the cast of the new stage comedy “Turtle Back High,” sculptor and musician Gilbane Peck and festival favorite BR and Timebomb.

“They have a huge amount of energy and a really wide range,” said festival producer Eileen Trilli.

BR and Timebomb will be helping out with a family outdoor event — a festival first — at Carroll Park on Saturday.

Now in its third year, Trilli said the festival has a strong following and is gaining some recognition.

“We’ve started to make a name for ourselves,” Trilli said. “It’s not just music, it’s not just theater, it’s not just visual arts. It’s all three wrapped into one.”

Andrew Mancilla at Linger Café & Lounge [533 Atlantic Ave. between Third and Fourth avenues in Boerum Hill, (347) 689-4813], June 21, 6:20 pm; for other BoCoCa Arts Festival performances, visit www.bococaartsfestival.com.

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'Sweet' show at Southpaw tonight

By Meredith Deliso

Ellia Bisker may play one of the smallest instruments, but she’s going big for her next show.

The ukulele frontwoman behind the cabaret rock outfit Sweet Soubrette will fill the stage at Southpaw tonight with her largest band yet — nine musicians, complete with a rocking horn section.

“They’re for special occasions,” said the Park Slope resident. “We love the horns — more horns is my New Year’s resolution.”

The special occasion here? The band won’t be playing its Regina Spektor-esque indie rock again until the fall, as Bisker’s spent the better part of the year touring in support of her second album, “Days and Nights,” and needs to return to songwriting — even if that means taking a break from such favorite haunts as Jalopy, Barbes and the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. But she’s not going out quietly.

“This is the biggest show we’ve ever done in Brooklyn,” said Bisker. “And we do a lot of shows in Brooklyn.”

Sweet Soubrette at Southpaw [125 Fifth Ave. between Sterling and St. Johns places in Park Slope, (718) 230-0236], June 8 at 8 pm. Tickets $10. For info, visit www.sweetsoubrette.com.

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Catch OTiS live at Southpaw this Saturday

By Meredith Deliso

It only took 10 years, but Craig Schoenbaum finally has a band.

For years, the Park Slope jazz musician would hire professionals to back him in his act, OTiS. But a couple years ago, Schoenbaum decided it was high time he got his act together — literally — and that rotating cast of characters has now become a devoted five, and OTiS feels like a brand new band.

“It’s a tough town for bands that are just starting, so having people that are all in it for the fun of it really keeps things fresh and interesting,” said Schoenbaum. “It’s all about the momentum and keeping that snowball growing.”

In the past year or so, OTiS’s figurative snowball has grown, as the band’s released its debut album, become regulars at the Mercury Lounge, and solidified summer festival gigs. The band recently added a saxophonist to the mix.

All six will take to the stage on Jan. 15 at Southpaw, Schoenbaum’s favorite hometown venue, for a high energy, funk-fueled show. And even though the band’s all set, Schoenbaum’s not adverse to having some friends sit in on the bill. It wouldn’t be a proper jazz show without a full-on jam.

OTiS at Southpaw [125 Fifth Ave. at Sterling Place in Park Slope, (718) 230-0236], Jan. 15 at 9 pm. Tickets $10. For info, visit www.otisrock.net.

  

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A bloody good time

By Meredith Deliso

The charming, ukulele-sporting Bliss Blood brings some jazzy tunes to The Castello Plan, a newish Ditmas Park wine bar, for an evening of good food and good music tonight.

The Bushwick-based singer has made a niche for herself playing 1920s and ’30s tunes, either in the Hawaiian-tinged The Moonlighters, the blues band Delta Dreambox or the jazz bands Voodoo Suite and The Cantonement Jazz Band.

Solo, she is quickly becoming a regular at the Plan, and tonight, she’ll join trombonist Jim Fryer playing early 20th century jazz and some originals that show off her showmanship.

“I like going way back and reading about performers in the ’20s,” said Blood, who’s been playing her uke since before it was fashionable. “For instance, Bessie Smith could look out in the crowd and hypnotize them.”

And let us not forget the food at The Castello Plan. One of the newer additions to the blossoming Cortelyou Road scene, the inviting wine bar has gained fans for its tasty small plates, which include roasted rabbit and pumpkin gnocchi that will warm you right up.

Head to the restaurant early to take advantage of its $30 prix-fixe wine dinner (from 6-8 pm), and then stick around for the music. Your Thursday just got set.

Bliss Blood at The Castello Plan [1213 Cortelyou Rd. between Westminster and Argyle roads in Ditmas Park, (718) 856-8888], Jan. 13 at 8 pm. Free. For info, visit www.thecastelloplan.com.

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Dan Zanes is back

By Meredith Deliso

Believe it or not, Dan Zanes still questions whether he can sing.

Even after five albums with the 1980s pop band The Del Fuegos and eight as a children’s musician — one of which garnered him a Grammy — those doubts still nag the Fort Greene-based kiddie rock star.

“We all have the voices in our heads that say we’re not that musical,” said Zanes, who, by the way, sings with a warm, lazy growl. “I just don’t let it stop me anymore. I want to set a good example for my daughter. I don’t want to be hiding in the corner, not throwing myself into things. I’d rather set an example of someone who can step through inhibitions and participate in life.”

With his baby girl now 16, Zanes admits those days of setting an example might be over, but he still has tons of other kids to inspire.

Since releasing “Rocket Ship Beach” 10 years ago, Zanes has skyrocketed to the top of the kiddie music scene, packing outdoor concerts with strollers, enjoying an almost constant rotation on channels like the Disney Channel and Noggin, and getting some of the best in the business (Aimee Mann, Lou Reed, Matthew Broderick) to sing on his albums.

Zanes has found more success as a children’s musician than a garage rocker, more often playing schools than stadiums, and while that prospect may rattle some, Zanes is just genuinely grateful to still be making music.  

“Music saved my life for sure. That’s what gave me focus and a creative outlet, and a reason to get up every day,” said Zanes, who’s now known as much for his wild, unkempt gray hair as his kid- and parent-friendly rock. “I’ve been very, very lucky to then be able to have not one but two careers in music. It’s practically unheard of.” 

And after 10 years on the kiddie throne, he’s still able to channel his inner four-year-old.

“I have so much in common with young people, so it really isn’t much of a problem to find things to sing about that have emotional meaning for me, as well as a 4-year-old,” said Zanes. “When I’m writing, I think about things like friendship, my neighbors, Brooklyn, people, the weather. There aren’t any songs about learning how to eat with a fork, but there aren’t any songs about drinking and old girlfriends, either. Somewhere in the middle is where I live.”

That place includes dancing, a sense of mystery and — this is key — a party. And the rocker will certainly bring it when he plays this Nov. 28 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, where he’ll be joined by Father Goose, a Jamaican emcee who’s been with him from the beginning, and the BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble.

“It’s been 10 years since our first CD came out, so we’re celebrating 10 years of handmade all-ages music,” said Zanes. 

Dan Zanes at the Music Hall of Williamsburg [66 N. Sixth St. between Kent and Wythe avenues in Williamsburg, (718) 486-5400], Nov. 28 at 3 pm. Tickets $25. For info, visit www.danzanes.com.

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Park Slope mom - on stage

By Meredith Deliso

Annie Keating has gained fans all over the world for her honest, refreshing acoustic act, often found on the folk festival circuit. But to celebrate her new album, there’s nothing like playing in your own backyard.

On Nov. 10, the Park Slope mom-sician celebrates the release of “Water Tower View” with a show at Southpaw.

“The band’s never sounded better, and for the show we’ve got some special guests,” said Keating. “It’s going to be quite a celebration.”

With her gritty-yet-pretty tunes laid over careful plucking, Keating draws comparisons to other strong female acts such as Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch and Bonnie Raitt, as well as Willie Nelson. “Water Tower View” is her fourth album.

“It has a new sound that seems to be resonating with folks,” said Keating. “I’m optimistic and excited to see where the songs take us.”

Annie Keating at Southpaw [125 Fifth Ave. at St. Johns Place, (718) 230-0236], Nov. 10 at 8:30 pm. Tickets $10 in advance, $13 at the door. For info, visit www.anniekeating.com.

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The Mus-o-meter registers Sharon Van Etten's 'Epic'

By Meredith Deliso

With last year’s “Because I Was in Love,” Sharon Van Etten established herself as an authority on lovelorn folk songs. She’s quickly following that effort up with more sad, intimate songs on love and heartache that cut right through you (hear her tonight at the Rock Shop). But to really get a sense of what it’s all about, we leave that to the Mus-o-meter, who has been known to break a few hearts, too.

Take the wise-beyond-her-years, husky voice of Cat Power on “The Greatest.” Then add …

The thick emotion of Beirut’s sophomore album, “The Flying Club Cup.” Then add …

The sparse, guitar-heavy folk of Bon Iver’s 2008 debut, “For Emma, Forever Ago.” The result?

Sharon Van Etten’s sophomore album, “Epic.”

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Brooklyn's got character[s]

Daniel Mate will sing you a song about Brooklyn.

By Meredith Deliso

Move over, Manhattan; this month, musical theater reigns in Brooklyn.

Tonight, Galapagos Art Space hosts “Brooklyn’s Got Character[s],” an evening of original songs about Brooklyn people by up-and-coming songwriters.

“New York musical theater is very Manhattan-centric — people writing about Broadway and 42^nd Street,” said Daniel Maté, director of the event. “But if you really want to capture the local flavor of what New York City is about, you have to go to the other boroughs.”

For that, Maté has recruited award-winning songwriters to find their Brooklyn muse and channel it into a song. 

“This is a borough full of characters who are out there, loud, self-expressed, and uninhibited,” said Maté. “I thought, if I can sic some writers on this borough, it would be a really cool exercise.”

That explains songs about a Coney Island sideshow freak; a Puerto Rican go-go dancer in Crown Heights; a Pakistani pet shop owner in Brooklyn Heights; and an eccentric Prospect Heights ophthalmologist.

“He’s the textbook definition of a ‘character,’” said Tina Lear, who’s writing the song about her eye doctor. “It’s the conversation during my appointments with him, conversation that often fuses political commentary, spiritual teaching, standup comedy, and therapy.”  

Maté, a Vancouver native who moved to Brooklyn five years ago, is writing about his “love affair” with the borough and his favorite spots here, from his nearby Sunset Park (“The views are unbelievable”) to Outpost Cafe in Clinton Hill, where he used to DJ, as well as simply finding his way around on his bike.

“If you love life and have a diverse mindset, Brooklyn feels like home,” said Maté. “That’s what the song is about — finding that Brooklyn is home, which is so corny I can’t believe I’m even saying it. Marty Markowitz, eat your heart out.”

“Brooklyn’s Got Character[s]” at Galapagos Art Space [16 Main St. at Water Street in DUMBO, (718) 222-8500], Sept. 27 at 8 pm. Tickets $15. For info, visit www.GalapagosArtSpace.com.

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Twice as nice with Howard Fishman

Howard Fishman has been in the studio so long, his fans may have feared he put down the guitar for good.

But finally, after 18 months of putting together three new albums, the Williamsburg jazz man is back where he belongs: on two Brooklyn stages, on consecutive nights to boot.

This month, you can find Fishman at two of his local stomping grounds: Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg on April 29 and Barbes in Park Slope on April 30.

Fishman has long-standing relationships with both – he has played Barbes regularly for the past four years, and he had a three-year Thursday night resident at Pete’s up until about five years ago.

“They’re like playing my living room,” said Fishman, who leans on jazz, pop, gospel and country in his music. “They’re never high-pressure shows, in a relaxed environment. I like to use them as places to do experimenting.”

That will include pulling from his latest albums, which have backdrops in New Orleans, Romania and Brooklyn. All three are coming out this year, with the first — “Better Get Right,” featuring Fishman backed by a New Orleans brass band — out next month.

Despite his usual frequency at these Brooklyn venues, no one show is the same, said Fishman.

“Every one of my shows is pretty different,” said the musician. “It’s never the same band, never the same set list. I like to keep it fresh that way.”

Three albums in one year will certainly help with that.

Howard Fishman at Pete’s Candy Store [709 Lorimer St. near Richardson Street, (718) 302-3770] April 29 at 10 pm, and at Barbes [376 Ninth St. at Sixth Avenue, (718) 965-9177] April 30 at 10 pm.

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The song doesn't remain the same in Brooklyn

By Meredith Deliso

From the Tuesday open mics at Bar 4 to the welcoming environment of Goodbye Blue Monday, Brooklyn’s music scene is one of communities.

One that’s been going promoting local talent for the last five years has been the Brooklyn Songwriters Exchange (BSE), which, after being hosted by Vox Pop in Flatbush and the Brooklyn Lyceum in Park Slope, now has a home nearby at Union Hall.

And, on January 18, it kicks off its first show of 2010, a night of alternative Americana that also doubles as the release party for the series’ first (of what founder Rebecca Pronsky (pictured) hopes to be many) sampler, a mix that culls from the borough’s burgeoning and established crop of singer-songwriters.

“I wanted it to be as eclectic as possible,” says Pronksy, a Park Slope native who founded the BSE in 2005 as a way to promote local talent. Among the 14 tracks is a song off her latest album, the EP “Best Game in Town,” out this past spring. “I picked the artists that have played the series and made an impression on me and on the audience. I do have a lot of artists from out of town, so I wanted to keep it local for the sampler (as well).”

One of those local artists is Greenpoint-based musician Jason Myles Goss, a Massachusetts native who met Pronsky not in Brooklyn but in Cambridge during a songwriter festival several years ago. They kept in touch, and he wound up playing the series when it was at Vox Pop in what was one of his first shows in New York. He was invited back for the January 18 show and the sampler, which includes “Mississippi Red,” a song off his third album, “A Plea for Dreamland,” out this past summer.

“I was approaching it the same way you’d pick a single – something that would summarize what the project was like,” says Goss of his selection for the sampler. “My newest record sounds like a first, because a lot of my own writing has changed quite a bit since I got here. I started to take more from rootsy songwriters I was listening to a lot, like Gillian Welch, people who would write music that wasn’t in the traditional pop style.”

Another Welch fan is Annie Crane, a Bushwick-based singer-songwriter joining Pronksy and Goss on the January 18 bill. In the midst of promoting her debut full-length, “Through the Farmlands & the Cities,” Crane is a newbie to the BSE, and, since moving to the city three years ago from upstate New York, has immersed herself in similar communities, hanging out at local haunts like Brooklyn Tea Party and Northeast Kingdom.

“It’s a huge city and you can often feel lost,” says Crane. “But there are absolutely little pockets of people that are doing the same thing you’re doing and who can help you out. I’m really excited to play on the Songwriters Exchange to get to know some new musicians.”

Feel free to do the same yourself, when the Brooklyn Songwriters Exchange kicks off the new year January 18 at Union Hall (702 Union St.) at 8 p.m. in a round with Jason Myles Goss, Annie Crane, Rebecca Pronsky and Maia Macdonald.

All BSE shows are free, and are monthly on Mondays at Union Hall The BSE sampler will be available for free at all shows and at spots in the neighborhood.

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Luke DuBois on MonkeyTown

To say that Luke DuBois has played MonkeyTown a lot is an understatement.

Since the Williamsburg performance space opened more than four years ago, the musician estimates he's played there 35 times, either his own work or as a sidekick.

This January 16 DuBois plays MonkeyTown for the last time, as the space is closing January 24 over rent issues.

We asked DuBois, who also teaches at the Brooklyn Experimental Media Center at NYU's Polytechnic Institute, what he'll miss about the space, and what he has planned for his upcoming show.

What will you miss about the performance space?
Everything: the food, the ability to create such a great immersive experience with video, the intimacy of the space. Most of all, though, I'll miss being able to see...everyone who works there. They were really supportive of me over the last four-plus years, and it'll be sad to see the space go.

Do you have any memories of shows or experiences there that stand out?
The first time Iwent to MonkeyTown was to see Golan Levin play in the fall of 2005. I had had a really awful day, and was wandering around aimlessly in Williamsburg, when I ran into a couple of former students who said they were trying to go see this show. I'd heard of MonkeyTown but never been, and it was the most fantastic experience. I kind of couldn't believe that such a place existed.

Do you have anything special planned for your show there this month?
I'm going to try to do a little bit of everything that I've done at MonkeyTown over the years. I'll be doing "Bioluminescence" and "Fair Use," which are my two main music performance projects, plus a string quartet, plus a solo laptop set and some film. It'll be kind of anarchic, but I want to put on a pretty diverse body of work, just to have fun in that space, one last time.

Luke DuBois plays MonkeyTown (58 N. 3rd St.) January 16 at 11 p.m. Tickets are $7, with a $10 minimum. For more information, call (718) 384-1369 .

Photo: Luke DuBois at MonkeyTown in 2008.

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Brooklyn rocker lays it down at home

Canarsie born-and-bred musician Tom Moran makes it a hometown affair when he plays The Tamaqua Bar and Marina January 16.

Starting at 10 p.m., Moran, aka Daddy Rocker, a nickname he got from his students at P.S. 12 in Bushwick, plays the Gerritsen Beach spot.Opening for the rocker will be singer/songwriter Joe Ardigo at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $12 online, or $15 at the door. Tamaqua Bar and marina is located at 84 Ebony Ct.

For more information, go to http://www.tamaquamarina.com/ or call 718-646-9212. For more on Moran, go to http://www.daddyrocker.com/.

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Sirens sing for a good cause

Female indie rockers are joining forces for a good cause this holiday season.

The Sirens of Brooklyn is comprised of Marit Bergman, Courtney Kaiser (one half of Kaiser Cartel), Cat Martino, Julia Frodahl, Rachelle Garniez, Lauren Balthrop (of Balthrop, Alabama), Liz Tormes, Katie Eastburn, Greta Gertler, Erin Flannery, and Joy Askew.

On December 17, they'll be performing a benefit concert for Women To Women International, non profit organization dedicated to helping women all over the world who have lost everything as a result of war and conflict.

Expect music that spans from traditional holiday songs sung in a unique way to classics like excerpts from Benjamin Brittains "Ceremony of Carols" to Yoko Ono.

It happens at 8 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church (50 Monroe Place). Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

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U’Kno Tha Don's 'Testimony'

Crown Heights native and hip-hop artist U’Kno Tha Don celebrates the release of his new album, “Testimony,” this month.

After a tumultuous year in 2007 that saw the singer tried in the homicide of his two-month-old son who died of SIDS (for which he was found innocent), and losing custody of his two-year-old daughter, U’Kno decided to channel his pain into song.

The musician’s last mixtape, “As Cocky as I Wanna Be,” which included “Missing You,” a dedication song to his deceased son, sold over 10,000 copies. With “Testimony,” U’Kno is ready to take his music to the next level.

“Testimony” is U’Kno in his own words — heartfelt, real, sexy, remarkably lyrical, and creative.In New York, he has been featured on the Apollo, The Deal, Bet.com, Rap City, and Fuse TV. U’Kno can be seen next at Secret Lounge in Queens (245-11 Francis Louis Blvd.) for an album release party at 10 p.m.

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See, shop and make this holiday season

By Meredith Deliso

Sure, you can go see the Rockettes or get a photo in front of the tree at Rockefeller Center. But this December, Brooklyn has lots to offer on the holiday front, from a unicycling Santa to a gingerbread house workshop.

Check out our guide for performances not to be missed, holiday markets to find cool duds for your friends and family, and workshops to make some gifts yourself (and don't miss our family guide to holiday events happening in your neighborhood).

SEE

Radio City may have a flying Santa and sleigh, but Brooklyn has ice-skating in mid-air and a burlesque Secret Santa show. These holiday spectaculars and parties are not to be missed.

The 12 Acts of Christmas
Saturday, December 19-Sunday, December 20
Galapagos Art Space (16 Main St.)8 p.m. Dec. 19/3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20
$20 ($15 for children and seniors)

The 12 Acts of Christmas, from the aerial theater troupe Suspended Cirque, quite literally takes holiday traditions to new heights. This fanciful new holiday show features ice maidens on a triangle trapeze, a ribbon dancing Nutcracker, ice-skating in mid-air, a live musical rendition of “Sleigh Ride” like you’ve never heard before, a drunken Sugar Plum, and even Santa on a unicycle. You’ll have to see it to believe it.

The Desk Set’s Biblioball
Friday, December 11
The Bell House (149 7th St.)
8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
$20 in advance/$25 at the door; includes one raffle ticket

Chances are you’re not having an office party this year. Celebrate then with the bibliophiles of the Desk Set at their Biblioball, a winter formal fancy pants dance party and fundraiser (all proceeds go to Literacy for Incarcerated Teens, which provides books and programming to incarcerated and court-involved youth). So get dolled up (or not – it’s not strictly black tie) and party with a purpose. Featuring emcees Sarah Simms and Robert Sullivan, with music from The Hungry March Band, Nine 11 Thesaurus, Living Days (picture), The Lucky Chops Brass Brand, and many, many DJs.

Snow White
Saturday, December 12-Sunday, January 17
Company XIV (303 Bond St.)
All shows at 3 p.m.

Brooklyn-based theater-dance troupe Company XIV, known for their scintillating productions, bring family-friendly fare to the borough this season with their holiday show “Snow White” (alongside revivals of their adult shows “Le Serpent Rouge” and “The Judgment of Paris”). The company’s version of the classic fairy tale features opera, dance, and puppetry. The baroque opera trio Charities also joins the cast, providing haunting and beautiful arias by Handel and Bellini as well as Yiddish folk songs and original compositions.

The Secret Santa Show
Thursday, December 21
Public Assembly (70 N. 6th St.)
10 p.m.
$10

For less wholesome fun, there’s Sweet and Nasty Burlesque’s Secret Santa Show, a holiday show with all the trimmings (or lack there of), with performances by local burlesque beauties Anita Cookie, Clams Casino, Gal Friday, and Gigi La Femme, as well as Doc Wasabassco himself. Acts will be assigned by picking names from a hat (just like a Secret Santa). “It’ll be just like those horrible office party Secret Santa things,” says host Nasty Canasta, “except instead of TGI Friday’s gift certificates, there’ll be gorgeous and talented women getting naked in some truly amazing ways.” Yep, definitely not like the usual office party.

SHOP

Beyond the usual suspects (Brooklyn Indie Market, Artists & Fleas, Brooklyn Flea), markets are popping up all over Brooklyn this winter, in time for the holiday shopping season. Here’s a look at some temporary newcomers coming up, and some new favorites:

The (Makers) Market
Sundays
(OA) Can Factory (232 3rd St.)
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free admission

More than 30 vendors bring you handmade jewelry, clothes, art, soaps and even violins every Sunday at this Gowanus market, which has a focus on art and design. Each week a different vendor even creates a product live, so you can see the process first hand.

The 2009 Handmade Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 12
3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave.)
Noon to 9 p.m.
Free admission

The Williamsburg space will host a market featuring goods and treats from over 50 local artisans, craft mavens and culinary masters, with wares including everything from LED Hula hoops and dog costumes, to custom cut clothes and jewelry, furniture and vintage ware, cookies and chocolates, wrapping paper, pillows and body soaps, custom electronics and more. There will also be live music, treats, drinks and workshops.

Lyceum Holiday Market
Saturday, December 19, and Sunday, December 20
Brooklyn Lyceum (Fourth Avenue at President Street)
11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Free admission

Vendors offer handcrafted merchandise to fit any budget, size and taste. Whether for Chanukah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, you can find it all at the Park Slope venue’s second annual holiday market.

NYC Punk and Underground Record Fair
Sunday, December 20Public Assembly (70 North 6th St.)
Noon to 10 p.m.
$7 admission

Check out vinyl for your music loving friend, and hear some bands, too, at this Williamsburg record fair. In the backroom will be Ashers (members of the Unseen), Ultra Violence, Word for Word, Roadrage, Sexual Suicide, and Nothing But Enemies, while 20 tables will hawk their punk, power pop, DIY, new wave, metal and indie music where you can buy, sell or trade.

Craft Bazaar
Sunday, December 20
Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave.)
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free admission

Patchwork Crafts and Designs Presents the first annual Craft Bazaar at the Williamsburg venue. Find all your last minute unique handmade holiday gifts here. Plus, table proceeds will benefit the BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition) Shelter located in the neighborhood, so while helping yourself, you will also be helping our four-legged friends this holiday season as well.

MAKE

Brooklyn’s all about DIY, so do it yourself this holiday season and instead of buying clothes or cookies, make them yourself. These classes and events will only help inspire you.

Holiday Design-it-Yourself Clothes with Cal Patch
Thursday, December 10
Word (126 Franklin St.)
7:30 p.m.

In “Design-It-Yourself Clothes,” former Urban Outfitters designer Cal Patch brings her youthful aesthetic to a how-to book, which teaches the art of patternmaking in five key projects – a perfect-fitting dress, T-shirt, button-down shirt, A-line skirt, and pants. For this holiday-themed event at the Greenpoint book store, Patch will do a demo on how to take proper measurements — the first step in creating personalized gifts that fit perfectly.

Gingerbread Houses Workshop
Tuesday, December 15
Brooklyn Labs (100 Frost St.)
6:30 p.m.

Katie Robinson makes great cakes — she has worked at some of the top bakeries in New York, and has been featured on two Food Network Cake Challenges. Here, she’s teaching you how to make gingerbread houses. Everyone will get to build a house, and decorate it under Katie’s expert tutelage. This class is decidedly hands-on, so you can bring your houses home.

Holiday Cookies Workshop
Brooklyn Labs (100 Frost St.)
Saturday, December 12 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
$10

Nearly all day you can be baking and decorating cookies in their main kitchen, Lab #1, at this drop-in event. $10 gets you a baker’s dozen, and advice from their very own Lila Dobbs, who will be standing by to answer all your cookie-related queries, and offer holiday baking tips.

Brooklyn Cookie Takedown
Sunday, December 20
The Bell House (149 7th St.)
6:30 p.m.
$10

More than 30 different cookie recipes are expected at this Brooklyn bake-off, brought to you by the same people behind the Chili Takedown. For $10, try all the cookies and vote for the best, as well as gain some inspiration along the way from the amateur chefs for your own holiday batch. Or, enter yourself by e-mailing mtimms7@hotmail.com and show off your own inspired creation.

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Robinson safe out of the 'Summer of Fear'

Remember this name (if you can).

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson has wowed audiences with his compelling and soul-baring songs since debuting last year with his self-titled album (as well as intriguing them with his hard-drinking, rocker lifestyle).

This year sees him sober, signed to Saddle Creek, and with a two-disc follow-up, “Summer of Fear” – a chronicle of one particularly tough summer two years ago that saw him revisiting bad habits, living in semi-homelessness and ending his nights at the bar – every night.

One of the couches Robinson crashed on belonged to Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio fame. Friends since meeting en route to a Grizzly Bear show in 2005, Malone helped Robinson in the studio as the musician recorded what he envisioned as his “classic-rock album,” ramping up the tension in such standout tracks as “Death by Dust,” “Summer of Fear pt. 2,” “The Sound,” and the 11-and-a-half draining minutes of “More Than a Mess.”

While Robinson, with that summer of fear far behind him, is eager to get back into the studio to record his third album (one wonders what the inspiration will be on that one), catch him live at the Bell House November 19. With These United States. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door. At 8 p.m. The Bell House is located at 149 7th St. For more information, call 718-643-6510.

Hear Robinson's stand out from his debut, "Buriedfed":


miles benjamin anthony robinson MySpace Video

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