Author archives: admin

 
  • 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.  Personally, and this is something that is always a focus for us is diversity. Diversity is always a big part of what we do. One of the goals of AFP has always been to be inclusive and open to all art and artists.  Art for Progress is not only about providing opportunities and exposure for artists. AFP is also about providing access to the arts and turning people on to new art forms. In other words, expanding and growing the arts in the community. I think we achieved all of this over three days/nights at The Paper Box. Day One Friday's festivities began with an exceptional performance from El Pueblo.  I had the pleasure of talking to some of the members of the band, and they are also educators and involved in charitable projects.  I hope we have the opportunity to work with them again. Our next performance was from Redheadphone. We really enjoyed their international collaboration of sounds and world styles.  Speaking of which, the youthful and prophetic School ov Thought contributed to the increased energy in the room, as Brett from Boundless reminded us of Chuck Brown, go-go music and his eclectic style.  But, Push Method took the stage with a level of energy that was unmatched and their message came through strong, particularly when they perf[...]
  • 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 [...]
  • 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, th[...]
  • 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.
  • Bomb Beer is the perfect sponsor for AFP's Brooklyn Beat Festival because Bomb Beer supports the arts, and their beer cans promote the artwork of Billy The Artist, a local East Village artist who's work appears on each can of Bomb Beer.  But Bomb Beer is not just another company supporting the arts, they have a quality product and we were lucky to sample it at Fountain Art Fair in Miami and New York. We're very happy to have them on board. Bomb Beer is just one of our sponsors which is focused on supporting the arts and artists. Our promotional sponsor, eMusic has created this awesome YouTube channel featuring videos from some of our featured music acts. We're thankful for their support. Stay tuned. The full schedule of events and performances will be posted this week.
  • We're pleased to announce eMusic as a promotional sponsor for Brooklyn Beat Festival. They will also host a pre-party in the coming weeks. The details for this show will be announced soon. NYC's Apollo Heights will headline Saturday night's festivities along with PUNCHES. Also, PBR's will be $3 all weekend! We'll also have other sponsored beverages and cupcakes from Francesca Cakes. Things are coming together nicely. Check back for more updates.
  • Art For Progress is gearing up for an exciting weekend of music, art, film and fashion! The action will all go down in East Williamsburg at Paper Box. The festival will coincide with Bushwick Open Studios, so don't miss it. A few of the confirmed live musical acts are Lachi & Meridian Gold,  Comandante Zero, Push Method, Argotec, Redheadphone, and Inky Glass. Jon Samson of CoCreative Music will perform a special set for kids of all ages on Sunday. Confirmed DJs are Brooklyn fave, Punches, Jeannie Hopper (Liquid Sound Lounge), Kervyn Mark (Melting Pot), Bruce Tantum (Time Out NY), Gatto, Jimmy Sky, Bass Control, Brett from Boundless, DJ Jago and Sal Leone. Gashouse Films will host an intriguing selection of films Sunday evening, while artist Caridad Sola  curates performance art for the weekend festivities. AFP will transform the outdoor space at Paper Box into a garden of art installations from artists Max Greis, Jeanne Wilkinson and others. Additionally, fashion designers Iliana Quander, Tom Sohung, Paula Collins, Alicia P, Akilah Stewart of Sweet-n-Salty, and Allyson Jacobs will bring design to life with interactive fashion installations. Artists and other details are still being confirmed. Check back soon for more details!
  • For London cartoonist, JAK BURKE he believes that "art [is] a proletariat force to effect social change." And, from this artwork bashing the fast food industry, BURKE's message holds true to his art perspective. This artist isn't new to the art scene, as he contributed to DNA Magazine, Anchor Books, Gotham Magazine, AOL news, The Daily News--just to name a few.  Socially powerful and blunt, JAK BURKE's no holds barred approach is one that is few in modern artworks. -Heather Liggins
  • Italy in June? This sounds like an ideal vacation: amazing art and delicious food, who can say no to that? Hosting this art show is non profit organization Bisazza Foundation, which is devoted to design and architects. For the exhibits, you will find renown contemporary designers including: Tord Boontje, Aldo Cibic, Sandro Chia, Marcel Wanders, and more. Get a glimpse of what to expect here. -Heather Liggins