Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM) will hold their fourth-annual Open Stages music festival on Saturday, May 11, featuring 15 different stages on stoops, schoolyards, parks and local cafes throughout Park Slope.
This year’s Open Stages will feature performances from over 150 musicians, showcasing 40 genres of music, everything from Klezmer to opera to jazz, according to a news release.
Attendees can practice their waltz, contra and salsa moves at the dance stage, or go rock out to a knockout Amy Winehouse cover band. There will be plenty for the kids to enjoy, like a Wizard-of-Oz-themed singalong at J.J. Byrne Playground and teen rock bands on the festival’s Gen-Z Fren-Z stage at Milk Bar.
Open Stages also provides an opportunity for those studying at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music to step onto a stage and perform in front of an audience, some, for the first time ever. Students from the Conservatory’s Community Music School, Suzuki Program and Music Therapy Program will take part in the afternoon fun.
“Open Stages is more than just a neighborhood music festival; it’s a Brooklyn institution! It's a celebration of Brooklyn community, Brooklyn businesses and of course, Brooklyn musical talent!” said Chad Cooper, executive director of Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. “The festival is free and it's a crucial fundraiser for BKCM."
The donations will aid the organization, which provides affordable music studio rentals, music lessons and music therapy services to New Yorkers of all ages, talents and needs, Cooper said.
There are VIP tickets available, which includes exclusive musical experiences, a pre-festival party as well as food and drink from local vendors.
