This array of indoor (and snow-proof) NYC events includes something for everyone with musical performances, films galore, and a bug-centric theatrical show of creepy-crawly proportions. On a personal note, this will be my last Picks of the Week post as New York Family’s listings editor. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them!
Saturday, February 22
The Okee Dokee Brothers
Symphony Space
11 am & 2 pm
For a taste of the great outdoors without leaving the city, see the Grammy- award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers at Symphony Space. The duo will show off their Minnesotan roots with a bluegrass show full of camping, nature, and the Appalachian Trail. You can check out the music video for their catchy single “Can You Canoe?” on YouTube. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children.
Black History Month Events
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
12, 1 & 2:30 pm
Celebrate Black History month at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum this Saturday! The Center for African and Diaspora Dance will present “Four Corners of Africa”, a dance performance and workshop featuring acclaimed dancer Iris Wilson. One of the original Queens in the Broadway production of FELA!, Wilson will demonstrate and teach children several traditional African dances. Plus, stick around for an author reading and book signing by Wilson of her family-friendly book FELA! Let Music be the Weapon, about the life of musician Fela Kuti. Wilson will be joined by her son, Nangwaya Gibson, who is the book’s illustrator. Free with museum admission.
Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly
Tribeca PAC
1:30 pm
The Worm, the spider, and the fly are off to a rough start of the school-year. Watch as the three face their fears and overcome challenges during this production of Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Based on the bestselling children’s series by the author/illustrator team of Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss, this performance is perfect for all ages and teaches the importance of self-confidence. Tickets are $25.
Saturday, February 22-Sunday, February 23
BAMkids Film Festival
BAM’s Peter Jay Sharp Building
10 am
Little film fanatics of all ages will descend on the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for BAMkids 16th annual Film Festival this weekend. This year, the festival will screen more than 70 films from around the world, some of which will make their world, U.S., or New York premieres. The two-day lineup will also include shorts and live performances from a couple of the hottest children’s musicians on the scene today. Must-see films include a new live-action French version of “Beauty and the Beast”, the 3D animated “The Legend of Sarila”, and the Danish “Otto the Rhino”. Elena Moon Park will wow audiences with songs from her album Rabbit Days and Dumplings and Mil’s Trills will delight with lead vocalist Amelia Robinson’s vast repertoire of blues, pop, and funk-inspired songs. Tickets sell out early, so we recommend buying your tickets in advance. Various ticket prices.
Sunday, February 23
Bronx Arts Ensemble Family Concert: Hansel and Gretel
New York Botanical Garden’s Ross Hall
1 & 2:30 pm
Introduce your kids to the many instruments of an orchestra during this whimsical performance of “Hansel and Gretel”! All ages are invited to listen to the musicians of the Bronx Arts Ensemble as they accompany actors on a journey through the woods and on to the witch’s gingerbread house. Treat your family to this production of a Brothers Grimm classic like no other. Free with an All-Garden Pass.
