July Newsletter

Here’s a link to our latest newsletter.

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Art for Progress presents “Mixed Greens”

Join Art for Progress on Saturday, July 21st

featuring live music from Morning Fuzz, Thunda Vida and Mariami,

performance art from Caridad Sola and Sindy Butz

a video installation from Cat Del Buono

DJ sets from Gatto and special guest Andy Slate

more details coming soon!

Doors 8pm. Music 9pm-2am. Cover $8

The Paper Box, 17 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, NY
Directions:L train to Grand Street Stop
(4 blocks from the subway)

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Art for Progress Art Education Update

Another exciting school year has ended and AFP’s impact and our programs continue to grow. The Sansom Foundation recently awarded Art for Progress a $20,000 grant which was a thirty percent increase over last year’s grant! We are ecstatic that the foundation has increased their support for the program.  Though the funds are very important we believe the vote of confidence from the Sansom Foundation is even more important as we focus on applying for more funds to expand our important work in the NYC Public Schools.

A special thank you goes out to Barry Komitor who has been instrumental in the development of the program in many ways. His passion and dedication to the organization and the students is unwavering.  If we just had a few more Barry Komitors, we can do so much more!

In the following video, Barry and some of our students at Bronxdale High School offer some insight into AFP’s Music Program. Thanks to our intern Fred Hua for doing such a great job working on this video.

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AFP Announces a New Monthly at The Paper Box

As we gear up for the launch of our new monthly at The Paper Box, we’d like to share some videos featuring some of the highlights from AFP’s Brooklyn Beat Festival. The videos include performances from Ze Luis, Comandante Zero, Lachi, Minnie and Aya and other participating artists.

The monthly event will also be a multimedia experience featuring live music performances, performance art from Caridad Sola as well as art and video installations from AFP artists. AFP’s DJ Gatto will be the resident DJ with special guests each month.

Confirmed dates and live music performances:

Saturday, July 21st: Mariami, Morning Fuzz, more TBA

Saturday, August 18th:  The Disappointment, Muj more TBA

Saturday, September 15th:  Heavy Birds, Ellis Ashbrook, more TBA

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“Brooklyn Beat Festival” Wrap-Up and Reviews Contd..

Day 3

As some families started to arrive early Sunday afternoon, they were greeted with the sounds of John Coltrane and Joao Gilberto, but it wasn’t long before Sindy Butz was ready for our first performance of the day. Sindy’s piece titled “Moral Decay” was  an interpretation of how society’s morals have deteriorated over time.  Sindy’s strong use of   symbolism and association resulted in a gripping performance that left our guests with much to ponder. Our first musical performance of the day was from Jon Samson of CoCreative Music. Many of the kids joined Jon on stage as he sang his playful, yet educational songs for everyone to enjoy.  The kids were truly excited by Jon’s performance, but as soon as they saw the organic mini-cupcakes from Francesca Cake they darted for the table filled with treats.  A few kids did stop on their way as they saw Allyson Jacobs interactive balloon dress, and they just had to add their own balloon to the growing skirt. Jewelry designer Paula Collins was also working on a very creative piece utilizing chains. Paula often works with metals in her line of beautiful accessories.

Back on stage, blues singer/songwriter Inky Glass delivered the perfect Sunday afternoon of blues with a touch of soul. As Inky Glass finished her set, AFP’s DJ Gatto dropped a classic house set to keep the energy flowing. The next performance art piece on Sunday featured White House entertainer and master of escape, Thomas Solomon.  Mr. Solomon challenged our guests with questions about the real value of a dollar as he used his  deceptive skills to fool the crowd.  After this quick break from the music, Liquid Sound Lounge host/DJ Jeannie Hopper took over the decks for a great set of eclectic tunes as only Jeannie can deliver.  Out in the art garden, Caridad Sola presented her clever performance piece “El Paredon.”  This interactive piece involved several participants who believed they were going to soak the artist by shooting her with water guns.  Little did they know, the water was dyed red to look like blood. When they shot the guns, it truly looked like they executed her in this all “too real” shocker.  Earlier in the art garden, Ryan Hawk presented his piece “Inside/Out”which deals with personal identity and the transformation of ones self.

Our final live music performance of the festival was one that won’t soon be forgotten. Grammy nominated Ze Luis and his band played an extended set of blistering jazz that left everyone in a state of bliss. It was actually the perfect set up for the short film screenings curated by Daniel Maldonado of Gashouse Films. As expected, Daniel put together a brilliant program of award winning films.

“Autumnal” by Scott Nyerges

“That Which Once Was” by Kimi Takesue

“Episode 21 (The Hidden)” by Daniel Maldonado

“The Story” by Joey Huertas

“Tigba-­‐id (Bladesmith)” by Janice Perez

Art for Progress would like to thank everyone who came out and supported, participated and sponsored AFP’s first music & arts festival.  We’ll be back at The Paper Box Saturday, July 21st for a new monthly multi-media event. Stay tuned for all the details!

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“Brooklyn Beat Festival” Wrap-Up and Reviews Contd..

Day 2

As we arrived on Saturday, we found our friend Gilf in the early stages of her impressive  Wall(Russ) mural in the art garden. We’re so thankful for her hard work, as she completed the mural in about 6 hours! Saturday’s musical festivities began with a set from DJ Jago. Jago is a young man who we’ve had the pleasure of seeing develop over the last few years after he won AFP’s Clash of the Artists competitions at age 13.  Jake has developed a  forward, high energy sound that appeals to anyone who likes to shake it on the dance floor. Taking the stage around 7:30pm, Minnie and Aya delivered our first live music performance of the day, and they did not disappoint.  Their smooth, soulful sounds were the perfect start to a great night of music.  Next up, was long-time friend of AFP and talented DJ Sal Leone. Sal treated our guests to a mix of deep and classic grooves as we got ready for Lachi and Meridian Gold to perform.  In the art garden, Caridad Sola was preparing for her performance piece, “Deliver us from Eve-Il” which morphs the urban legend of razor blades in apples with the story of the forbidden fruit and original sin.  Caridad has a way of enticing people into her world, and then completely turning the tables on what’s expected.  Sherri Aliberti’s “Green Cocoon” performance piece was also a crowd pleaser, while Iliana Quander‘s interactive “Trash Couture” installation involved some unexpected additions. We’ll just say that the takers likely puffed away as they strolled up Meadow Street on their way to the L train.

Back on stage, Lachi was showcasing her distinct voice and thoughtful lyrics that take over a room when she performs.  Taking over on the decks, Time Out NY’s Bruce Tantum treated us to a quality set of funky tech as the room began to fill in anticipation of Comandante Zero‘s performance.  With a bunch of new tracks to showcase, the band took the stage with much anticipation, and the result was more than impressive.  Comanadante Zero has performed at many AFP events over the last several years, and you can be sure that you’ll be seeing them at many more!  Apollo Heights was next to take the stage for our final live music performance of day 2. We have been trying to book this band since we met them at PS1 a few years ago, and we were happy to finally have the opportunity to present them.  Their guitar driven psychedelic sound was the perfect ending to a very diverse line-up of artists on Saturday.

As the night winded down, DJ Bass Control took over the decks with a set of his fresh, electro beats that we have grown accustomed to at AFP events. Overall, it was another thrilling night at The Paper Box!

To be continued with a Day 3 review..

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“Brooklyn Beat Festival” Wrap-Up and Reviews

This gallery contains 8 photos.

After some much-needed rest, we’re back at work here at AFP, and we’re more than ecstatic about this past weekend’s Brooklyn Beat Festival! I’m not sure where to start, but the overall theme and feedback from the weekend was quality.  … Continue reading

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“Brooklyn Beat” Feature: Performance Art

This weekend the “Brooklyn Beat Music and Arts Festival” will feature some really awesome performance art curated by Caridad Sola of NYC. With artist Meghann Snow performing Friday night, you might catch her making out on stage, or out in the art garden with a playful, interactive piece where the audience can get involved!

Saturday will bring both magic and dance elements to performance art, with world-class magician Thomas Solomon performing on stage, where you will experience the illusion of the impossible in a performance not to be forgotten. Out in the art garden, Caridad Sola’s performance, “Deliver Us from Eve-il” is one you will not want to miss. Involving apples and razor blades, she brings an edge to the festival that will leave the audience speechless. Performance artist Sherry Aliberti will merge dance with art along with 4 dancers in “The Green Cocoon,” a very special, thought-provoking piece. The cocoon comes to life in a spellbinding performance.

Sunday, our all-ages day, will bring life to the art garden, with water guns, balloons and paint. Artist Ryan Hawk will perform “Inside/Out” where he speaks to our identity, voids and holes. Then a creative, interactive piece by Caridad Sola will leave the audience thinking, and possibly a little wet, with a water-gun installation where the power of creating and destroying is transferred from the artist to the audience. On the stage, artist Sindy Butz will bring a transforming performance to the audience. Then Thomas Solomon will be back at the festival, where we’ll witness more astonishing magic!

About the artists:  We are happy to have such talented artists performing with us this weekend. Curator and performer Caridad Sola is a Cuban-American multi-media artist and licensed architect. She has performed in a variety of cities, most recently at the Fountain Art Fair in New York City. Artist Meghann Snow of NYC has performed internationally from Paris to Stockholm and New York, where she incorporates her experience as a classically trained ballet dancer and figure skater into  her visual and performance art.

Sherry Aliberti brings Cocoons to life with her mesmerizing performances. With experience in yoga and architecture, she morphs the two worlds into a single space where dance and life come forth. Thomas Solomon is an award-winning magician and escape artist, who has performed internationally, including the White House. His work has been featured on BBC and the History Channel.

Ryan Hawk of Boston is emerging as a compelling performance artist. With a residency at the New York Studio Artist Program this year, Ryan has recently performed at the Fountain Art Fair in NYC, and is currently pursuing his BFA at Tufts University. Artist Sindy Butz of Berlin resides in NYC, and has served as an international scholar at ITP Tisch/NYU. She brings sculpture and installation art together in her performances.

With such a variety of great performances, come out to celebrate with us at “Brooklyn Beat!”

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“Brooklyn Beat” Feature: Live Music

As we approach AFP’s big festival this coming weekend at the Paper Box, here is more info and site links for the live music you will be hearing. Sponsor eMusic will be there with up-to-the-minute tweets and social media reporting from their Editor in Chief, Joe Edward Keyes. You can see their Youtube channel for the fest HERE. The Paper Box will also be streaming the event live through their site. As we will be hosting some of the best emerging musical talent to be found in NYC, we will also have the honor of hosting some esteemed, well-established bands that you do not want to miss!

Kicking off the 3-day festival on Friday, NYC’s El Pueblo will perform their reggae, soul-infused music. Redheadphone will follow, with their funky, positive vibe. As the evening gets into full swing, School ov Thought will perform their blend of hip hop/reggae/acoustic, thought provoking sounds. Later in the evening, Push Method will take to the stage with their high energy level. Just after midnight, the last live music performance on Friday is by Brooklyn-based Argotec, with a heavy hitting blend of rap, techno, and rock. The evening will continue to the wee hours, when the DJs take to the decks.

Saturday’s live music will begin with the chilled-out sounds of Minnie and Aya, with Lachi taking to the stage at 9pm with her cathartic, not-to-be-missed performance. Electro-funk duo Comandante Zero and artist Oh10m1ke will also play a set that is sure to get the crowd moving! Just after 11:30, the final live musical act of the evening, Apollo Heights, will bring us a performance to remember with their loud, colorful, and sensual sound. Like Friday night, after the live music, DJs will continue the dance party until 3am.

Sunday will bring together a unique blend of musicians. As the all-ages day of the festival, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. At 2pm Jon Samson of CoCreative Music will perform a set that is not only kid-friendly, but fun for the rest of us! Following Jon’s performance, Inky Glass will bring her mix of blues and folk to the crowd. The last live music performance for the festival will be very special, where the accomplished, Grammy-nominated Ze Luis Quartet will play some of the best Brazilian jazz you will ever hear! Closing out the festival on Sunday, Gashouse Films will present a curated selection of short films from some of the best emerging film talent in NYC.

Stay tuned to our blog this week, as we will feature all of the artists participating in the festival! Check out the full schedule HERE.

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Performance Schedule for “Brooklyn Beat Music and Arts Festival” June 1st-3rd

We are very excited about our upcoming festival, and the abundance of talented musicians, DJs and artists will make it a remarkable weekend! To see what’s going on, check out the schedule HERE. With three days of live music, performance art, installations, and DJs, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Note that Sunday is for all ages so families can come out and enjoy the festivities together, with kids 12 and under getting in free. For those who don’t venture into Brooklyn much, the Paper Box is a very short ride on the L train (Grand Street stop) from Manhattan in East Williamsburg. To get a taste of some of the bands and musicians, here is the link for eMusic’s Youtube channel featuring some of their music. Joe Edward Keyes, the Editor In Chief of eMusic will be there reporting on the event with live Twittering as well. For details on hours and general info about the festival, here is the link on our site. We look forward to seeing all of you next weekend!

Friday, 6/1: 8pm-3am; Saturday, 6/2: 5pm-3am; Sunday, 6/3: 1pm-8pm

$5 admission; $8 after 11pm Fri and after 9pm Sat. Sun free for kids 12 and under.

$3 PBR’s all weekend, Bomb Beer sponsored open bar daily. Francescacake sponsored organic cupcakes Sunday. Food available for sale all weekend.

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