The ARTs East New York Jazz Brunch Series couples live jazz with local culinary treats to raise funds for arts scholarships
As the weather is cooling down, ARTs East New York (AENY) is heating it up with the launch of its Jazz Brunch Series. The series is kicking off this Sunday, September 17, featuring chef Venus Sutton from Everything Sticks & More and the George Gray Trio at the ARTs East New York community space.
"The AENY Jazz Brunch is a fundraising event that will help us support our Children's Music and Arts Saturday program and Summer Camp," said Executive Director Catherine Greene. "We are trying to raise enough funds to provide scholarships to students whose families need assistance paying for classes."
The ARTs East New York jazz brunch will take place every third Sunday and will present renowned jazz musicians coupled with local culinary artists.
For the inaugural brunch on Sunday, Venus Sutton of Everything Sticks, a thriving East New York catering company, will present innovative dishes all served on sticks or skewers. Brooklyn-based percussionist George Gray will be providing the funky soundtrack: A mix of jazz, funk and Afro-Cuban sounds along with a twist of South African beats. All culinary and musical artists were carefully selected with input of local organizations to make this a true "for the community, by the community" affair.
The AENY's jazz brunch series benefits ARTs East NY University Kids, a unique program in the East New York community which offers a wide range of arts education in music, dance and visual arts.
"Our youth program includes instruction in musical instruments such as trumpet, saxophone, keyboard as well as African and trap drumming; musical theater including acting, vocals and dance; visual arts such as iIllustration, painting and sculpture," explained Green. "Aside from the classes, the children are able to perform and exhibit their work throughout the year. Our curriculum is centered in African American history to foster community empowerment and self-determination."
ARTs East New York, founded by Green in 2009, is rooted in the belief that inspiring a community through arts and culture will create a sustainable pattern of resident-led development. The organization's variety of cultural events aims to make a powerful impact on the socio economic ills that are statistical problems in the community.
"We truly want every child to be able to participate in this program without having the issue of financial problems preventing them from accessing this wonderful opportunity," said Green.
Tickets for the Jazz brunch are $34 and can be purchased here. Each ticket includes two specialty drinks and the meal.
ARTs East New York Jazz Brunch Series
When: Every third Sunday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: ARTS East New York, 534 Livonia Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
