BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2016 35 BUZZ CULTURE BRIEFS BROOKLYN On Stage at Kingsborough gears up for holiday shows BY JAIME DEJESUS [email protected] Once again, On Stage at Kingsborough is bringing the holidays to Brooklyn. Starting in early December, the Southern Brooklyn performing arts presenter will host two shows that will have something for diverse attendees looking to celebrate both the Hanukkah and Christmas season, with a concert by Klezmer band Golem on December 4 and a performance of “The Nutcracker” by the State Ballet Theater of Russia on December 16. Leading off the season is Golem, whose unique music is aimed at entertaining audiences of all kinds during Hanukah. “We play Jewish music from Eastern Europe and play it in a contemporary fun way,” said lead singer Annette Ezekiel Kogan. “We’re a Klezmer rock band with a modern take on old songs with original material and it’s really fun to dance to for Hanukah.” The band also prides itself on its diverse catalogue of tunes, including Ukrainian, French, Jewish and Russian songs. “We are all over the map,” she said, adding that the twist of performance is what separates the band from others. “It’s a lot of fun. Our philosophy is to take songs as if they were written now for and appeal to people today.” Anna Becker, executive director of On Stage at Kingsborough, is thrilled to have the group join its roster. “For Golem, the things that excited us about them coming here is that we really like to have a joyous celebration of Hanukkah and this group is particularly unique and wonderful in its variety,” she said of the 15-year-old band. “They are highly theatrical performers and are very energetic. They play the favorites with original songs which makes for a lively and interesting concert. You don’t know what’s coming next.” Highlights for Golem include playing in venues in the Ukraine, Paris and Mexico. They also performed in an episode of the hit comedy “Louie” starring comedian Louie C.K. “I think it’s the energy and danceable beats that make the music accessible to people of all different cultures,” said Kogan, who is excited to perform at Kingsborough. In addition, she noted. “Traditionally, we attract a wide range for this concert every year. Families come during the holidays so there’s a wide age range. They have broad appeal,” said Becker. “The young audience embraces it.” Two weeks later, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia will present “The Nutcracker,” a little girl’s fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers and an army of mice, to On Stage at Kingsborough for the first time. “They’ve done ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ here. With the company coming, we are thrilled and honored to have them back again this year,” said Becker. “It’s the first time they’re bringing ‘The Nutcracker’ back to us and we’re excited to have the holiday tradition in December with this team. They are an esteemed Russian ballet company.” The score is by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, with choreography by Marius Petipa and Vasily Vainonen. The performance will feature 40 ballet dancers and include elaborate costumes and performances. “We are very honored when they come through,” Becker said. “We’re delighted we have two such esteemed companies for the holidays celebrating both in highly theatrical style. We’re also really proud to offer these holiday shows with affordable prices.” The Golem concert will be held on Sunday, December 4 at 3 p.m. “The Nutcracker” will be performed on Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices for both shows start at $32. The venue is On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Boulevard. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.onstageatkingsborough. org. COMPILED BY MEAGHAN MCGOLDRICK POST-TURKEY DAY TOUR Tired from all that turkey but want to get out of the house? Get off the couch and get your legs going while enjoying beautiful views at Green-Wood Cemetery’s Post-Turkey Day tour on Friday, November 25. The late autumn stroll through the historic cemetery – which will be held in two separate sessions, the first from 1 to 3 p.m. and the second from 4 to 6 p.m. – costs just $10 for members of Green-Wood and the Brooklyn Historical Society, and $15 for non-members. Both sessions will take place rain or shine. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www. green-wood.com/calendar. POP-UP CRAFT FAIR Kick off the holiday gift-giving season with a visit to one of Renegade Craft Fairs Brooklyn Pop-Up Fairs. The shopper’s paradise will hit Sunset Park’s Industry City (233 37th Street) on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There, patrons can enjoy a weekend full of handmade goodness from artisan makers and local creators, as well as delicious food, drink, music and tons of seasonal festivities. For more information, visit www.renegadecraft.com/fairs/ brooklyn-2016-holiday-popups. HOLIDAY BOOK FAIR Come on down to Brooklyn’s own Old Stone House (336 Third Street, inside J.J. Carty Park) on Saturday, December 3 for the fifth annual Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair. There, holiday shoppers and bookworms alike can choose from hundreds of collectible, rare and unusual finds fit for this holiday season’s perfect gift. The event – which will start at 10 a.m. – will feature appearances from Honey & Wax, Unnameable Books, Terrace Books, Enchanted Books, Tom Davidson Bookseller, Brooklyn Books, Freebird Books and Presence NYC. Photo courtesy of Hollywood Entertainment Scenes from “The Nutcracker.” Photo courtesy of Viktor Miloslavskiy The Klezmer band, Golem, performing.
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