Past Events
Frank Troy with Friends and Family
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Local singer/songwriter Frank Troy returns to the neighborhood stage! This time he'll share the stage with some of his nearest and dearest; expect a rollicking good time!
{Frank performs his original songs, as well as some of our favorite covers,accompanying himself on guitar}
Peace Train
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Peace Train is a musical adventure that features vocalist James Ceribello, keyboardist Lou DiNatale, bassist Steve Elias, and guitarist Marty Castore. They share their beautiful arrangements of classic songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Always a moving musical happening!
Two beloved local Singer-Songwriters! Kay Ashley & Caroline Cutroneo
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Kay Ashley is a talented singer, guitar player and songwriter. Author and music critic Andrew Hultkrans had this to say about Kay’s music—specifically her debut album, “Heliotrope,” which is set to be re-released later this year:
“Kay Ashley's gorgeous, moving "Heliotrope" occupies a charmed point triangulated by Joni Mitchell's "Hejira,” Paul Simon's "Graceland," and Nick Drake's “Pink Moon." A master of stacked vocal harmonies and alternate guitar tunings, Ashley's melodies are instantly memorable yet devoid of cliche ... At once a love letter to Africa, India, and men in her past, “Heliotrope" is a travelogue of the soul—betraying the influence of far-flung cultures while remaining both recognizably American and distinctly universal.”
Some copies of the original pressing will be available for purchase at the show.
Caroline Cutroneo is also a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist who has performed in the New York City area for over 25 years. Inspired by Judy Collins, Sandy Denny, Patsy Cline and other iconic performers in folk, country, blues and rock, Caroline has sung solo performances and with ensembles, many times at ETG Book Cafe and lots of other local venues. You can find some of her music and show announcements on Soundcloud or at her Facebook page.
Annual Spring Seed Swap!
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Get seedy with us at our annual Seed Swap! Bring seeds you'd like to give to other folks — seeds you collected/saved as well as seeds you purchased but didn't use. Take home seeds that others have brought. And connect with other gardeners!
Kevin Norton’s Jazz Essence returns!
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Kevin Norton: vibes & drums, Julia Simoniello: vocals, Mike Baggetta: guitar, Ken Filiano: bass
Kevin Norton’s Jazz Essence is an ongoing project that the original composer formed to explore, re-arrange and celebrate the roots (and branches) of jazz. The core instrumentation: vibraphone (vibes), guitar and bass is inspired by the Red Norvo trio, a unique jazz ensemble with guitarist Tal Farlow and bassist Charles Mingus, known for orchestral clarity, instrumental virtuosity and unique repertoire.
New York Poets of the New Black Arts Movement of the 1960's and 70's
Saturday, April 6, 2024
"New York Poets of the New Black Arts Movement of the 1960's and 70's" with Jimmy Wright. Among the featured poets will be Audre Lorde, Jayne Cortez, Ntozke Shange, and Gil Scott-Heron. Some readers will be invited from the audience; others will be pre-assigned.
Pop-Up Party!
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Come on by to dance, chat, play chess, look at books and vinyl records, hang out in the back garden, have a yummy treat, etc {The band that was scheduled to play this evening had to cancel, so we're making the best of it!}
Celebrating the Life of Houdini!
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Staten Island OutLOUD hosts a gathering of readings, music & curiosity in honor of Harry Houdini's 150th birthday.
We encourage guests to wear Houdini-inspired festive garb.
Calling all Island poets & musicians: Please join our open mic to read your short poems on Harry Houdini, or to perform your songs & musical Houdini tributes.
Special guests include our co-host Julie Bentsen (poet, illustrator, mental health counselor), Douglas G. Cala (poet), M. A. Dennis (poet), Thomas Fucaloro (poet, editor, educator), Andy Kass (composer, writer, musician, singer), Jacob R. Moses (writer, editor, educator), Vincent Vok (poet, composer, singer, musician), plus a few surprises!
Irish Songs with Bob Wright
Saturday, March 16, 2024
St Patrick’s Eve and do you know where your Irish Is? Bob Wright does, and he'll share it with you in songs celebrating the fair isle both traditional and new, including songs from his upcoming illustrated book Ginger Sea ‘Neath the Celtic Moon, which is being sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts and City Lore in Manhattan. {See City Lore mission statement for more info on that organization!}
Bob is a native Islander, award winning songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose songs often document local history, maritime history, and his Irish roots.
Frank Troy
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Local singer/songwriter Frank Troy returns to the neighborhood stage! Accompanying himself on the guitar, Frank's singing will touch your heart!
He performs his original songs, as well as some of our favorite covers!
Open Mic!
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Open Mic on the neighborhood stage! With our favorite M/C Phoebe Blue! Come and share your song, poem, dance, magic trick, etc!! 1 piece each or 4 minutes.
"Greeks and their Love Songs" with Jonathan Bricklin
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Three millennia of passion, despair, and mystical mingling. Live and recorded music from Sappho to Savvopoulos, including rhythmic, poetic verses of Parmenides and Empedocles (who viewed Aphrodite as a trickster goddess). In the spirit of Bacchic Frenzy, group chanting and singing will be encouraged.
[Due to the highly salacious nature of some of the content, no children under 16 will be admitted.]
A (lapsed) member of Actor's Equity, Jonathan Bricklin has performed in numerous musicals, at venues including BAM and Off-Broadway. He is the author of The Illusion of Will, Self, and Time (SUNY Press), numerous essays for international journals (including a study on Parmenides), and is the editor of Sciousness (a collection of essays on nonduality). Jonathan spent much of his twenties studying Greek at several New York universities and received a Certificate in Advanced Greek Studies from the Latin/Greek Institute in 1982. Since then he has continued to be inspired by ancient and modern Greek culture — especially its poets, songwriters, and singers.
Renaps and John shares stories and songs
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Staten Island native Rena Parisi (aka Renaps) and her friend John P. will delight us with music, poetry and more!
Renaps is a born and raised Staten Island writer/musician. Originally a traditional animator, she had since shifted the path to fully focus on music in realizing a deep love for story and audio.
Currently she learns drums and narrates with dynamics at the forefront of a visual storytelling experiment depicting multiple characters in a band called undernaiL with fellow friend/musician Cat Jaton plucking bass.
She'll be here telling stories in song & shadow with her traveling companion John for a Tales-around-the-bonfire kind of evening.
Instagram: @renapsable
Kevin Norton and Julia Sane Simoniello
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Jazz musician and composer Kevin Norton (vibes, drums) joins Julia Sane Simoniello (singer. songwriter and visual artist) for an evening of musical treats.
Julia Sane Simoniello and Kevin Norton have been collaborating on music (and multimedia, activist) projects for about 10 years now. They connect on several levels, but the main idea behind their collaboration is that music is more than just notes and rhythms. Music has the power to bring people together. Music has the power to motivate people and change our lives for the better.
Julia comes from a deep singer/songwriter background, as well as a visual artist and social activist. Kevin’s musical background is in jazz, new-music, “classical” and soundtrack venues, and, like Julia he is also a committed social activist.
Together, they make music that defies easy definitions, but they do seem to connect with listeners that seek a deeper interaction with music.
Frank Troy
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Local singer/songwriter Frank Troy returns to the neighborhood stage! Accompanying himself on the guitar, Frank's singing will touch your heart!
He performs his original songs, as well as some of our favorite covers!
The Return of Vince and Andy: A Holiday Show
Saturday, December 16, 2023
The Return of Vince and Andy: A Holiday Show, featuring Singer/Songwriters Vince Vok and Andy Kass
Commemoration of World AIDS Day
Friday, December 1, 2023
In collaboration with the PRIDE Center of Staten Island and CHASI
Please join us to support people living with and affected by HIV, and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. We invite all to come together for Education, Prevention and Overall Support. Poetry, spoken word, guest speakers and participants who want to share or show support are welcome to share their voice. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Free HIV home testing kits, condoms and resources will be available
A Musical Evening with Kevin Norton and Peter Zummo
Saturday, November 18, 2023
The multi-talented Kevin Norton (Vibraphones, Drums, Keyboard, etc) will share the evening with the legendary Peter Zummo (trombone & electronics). Peter might be best known as a collaborator with and advocate for the eclectic singer/song-writer/composer/performer, Arthur Russell. Peter has also released a dozen albums as a leader. Kevin’s musical background is in jazz, new music, “classical” and soundtrack venues and can be heard on 25 or more albums as a leader or co-leader. Kevin is also a committed social activist.
Film Screening: “The Clash"
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Film screening "The Clash", written and directed by Benjamin Shepard. Followed by a Q & A with the director.
Over a dozen years in the making, "The Clash" is a documentary film about public space in New York, with contests over green space, biking, occupying, sustaining, and Black Lives in public space.
Benjamin Shepard is an activist, writer, and educator who lives in NYC.
Poetry Night : Four Featured Poets followed by an open mic
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Poetry Night, featuring Yuyutsu Sharma and Staten Island's Poet Laureate Marguerite Maria Rivas, as well as special guests, poets Tim Tomlinson from NYU and Ravi Shankar of Tufts University.
The Ray Bally Band
Saturday, October 21, 2023
The Ray Bally Band returns to Staten Island to perform on our neighborhood stage. The band consists of Ray Bally on guitar and voice, Brad Kleiman on guitar and voice, and Mike Frazier on percussion. Together they create meditative rock n roll with brush strokes of jazz, folk, & lots of improvisation.
"Ray Bally is one of those rare, naturally gifted artists who work straight from the soul." ~Rick Jamm, Jamsphere.com
Local author Rev. Dr. Jessica Taylor with her book: "Overcoming Low Expectations"
Friday, October 20, 2023
Overcoming Low Expectations was written to encourage those who feel caught in the snare of low expectations. When people don’t believe in you and you don’t even believe in yourself, this book will inspire you to press on, because greatness is possible.
Dr. Taylor shares her story from the bondage of guilt and shame, toward the freedom of love and acceptance. Pregnant at only 16, Jessica felt compelled to move out of her mother’s home, only to begin her own struggles with alcohol, drugs, and violence, which eventually led to an awakening that changed her life forever. She was able to move past poverty and became a minister, a lawyer, an administrative law judge for the state of New York, and finally, a book author.
Day de Dada presents Fluxfest
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Fluxus Performances Live & on Zoom - Part of Fluxfest NYC 2023
Join us to watch, share, and participate in Fluxus Style performances with artists in the venue and joining us from around the world via Zoom.
A Fluxfest is a gathering of people interested in or influenced by the Fluxus methods of artistic expression and art-making, including writing and activating performance scores, mail art, and performance art. These events, which are usually several days of activities, are organized by members of the Fluxfest community and have occurred annually since 2009 throughout the United States and in Toronto.
May Day with Kevin Norton, Mary Campbell and Julia Sane
Saturday, May 27, 2023
We are workers – We work in the healthcare field, the education field, the computer graphics field and we are creative artists. We work to survive, but we create to thrive.
May Day is a celebration (with ancient roots) of the beginning of the summer season, but it is also International Workers Day. We are ALL workers and yet, the ruling class seeks to divide (and conquer) us. This event is about waving our asses in the faces of the ruling class and celebrating our working brethren. The future will only contain what we put into it now. Let's strive toward happiness.
Kevin Norton (on Wikipedia) – Composer, percussion instruments ...
Mary Campbell – Conceptualist: visual and performance artist
Julia Sane Simoniello – Songwriter, guitar and vocals
Meower Power Hour
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Meower Power Hour is a showcase featuring writers and musicians from Staten Island and beyond. May 2023's Meower Power will feature Jenno Snyder and Dan Veksler, opened by Comfort Cat.
DANISARTE presents / presenta SOLILUNA: A Magical Voyage thru Five Continents of the World/ Un Viaje Mágico por Cinco Continentes del Mundo
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Soliluna is a magical voyage thru 5 continents of the world. It is an interactive bilingual (Spanish/English) multicultural theatrical performance piece with international music which includes puppets which morph into actor/dancers, video-projections, original art and animation. It is based on folktales featuring the sun and the moon. This project is designed not only to entertain the whole family, but also to educate us about our similarities, cultural diversity, and the creativity of the human spirit.
Creator & Director/Creadora y Directora: Alicia Kaplan (Luna)
Associate Producer/Productor Asociado: Hernan Acuña (Sol)
with Piedad Castaño & María Renée Lavalle
The performance is free of charge. Reservations can be made by calling 212-842-2643 or by emailing akDanisarte@gmail.com. For more info, go to danisarte.org .
Reading of New Children’s Book by Allan Avidano
Friday, May 19, 2023
Cornelius The Earthworm, is a book that asks life's big questions, but from a worm's perspective: Why are we here? Why do bad things happen to good worms? And what or who is God? It's a book that recognizes that in spite of there being different belief systems, everyone can still get along if they choose to.
Allan Avidano is a Staten Island artist and writer who loves exploring the island's cultural diversity, nature, and history. Cornelius The Earthworm is his second children's book set on Staten Island.
OPEN MICE with Nanci and Phoebe
Friday, May 12, 2023
Comedian Nanci Richards and antifolker Phoebe Blue have been hosting open "mice" around town apart & together forever! Join them at their latest pop up. All acts welcome. One peace each.
Book Reading with transformative artist Anna Cley
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Come and embark on an inspiring journey with transformative artist and author Anna Cley. Praised by TV personalities and clinical therapists, The Journey of the Heart is an empowering fairytale of courage, freedom, and love. Anna Cley will host an immersive reading, followed by a Q&A and a book signing. To learn more about Anna, visit LINKTR.EE/ANNACLEY