In this edition of the Weekend Guide, we’re starting off with two long-running bands coming to our borough to do their thing. One is here to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their signature LP; and the other is showing up for their last-ever tour.
But if you’re not in the mood to relive the ‘90s, there are tons of other choices. You can go vintage shopping; dance to house music while supporting a good cause; clean up the coastline; check out some amazing art; and a lot more.
Tap in below.
Courtesy of International ElectroAcoustic Music Festival
Friday, March 21
33rd Biannual International Electroacoustic Music Festival: The Music of Nick Nelson @ Topfler Recital Hall, Brooklyn College
7 p.m.
Nicholas R. Nelson, who died in November, 2024, was an award-winning composer of experimental art music. He both studied and lectured at Brooklyn College, so it makes sense that this year’s edition of the International Electroacoustic Music Festival, held at the school, is dedicated to him. Tonight’s performance will consist of his music; Saturday’s of pieces by his friends; and Sunday is devoted to emerging composers.
Helmet @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
7 p.m.
Helmet is currently on tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its most successful album, Betty. The album, as with most important things in pop culture, has a Brooklyn connection: one of the project’s main engineers was longtime borough resident Martin Bisi. At this show, the band will be playing Betty in its entirety.
Refused @ Brooklyn Paramount
8 p.m.
The second ‘90s reunion show of the night is influential Swedish punk band Refused. The group originally ran from 1991-8, breaking up right after releasing The Shape of Punk to Come. But they got back together in 2012 and have been going more or less ever since. This tour, billed as Refused Are Fucking Dead, will be their last. For what it’s worth, we here at Weekend Guide are huge fans of Refused singer Dennis Lyxzén’s other band, The (International) Noise Conspiracy.
UDEiGWE Quartet: An Afro-Jazz Experience @ Williamsburg Music Center
9:30 p.m.
Lawrence Udeigwe is a fascinating man. The NYC-based Nigerian musician leads his own band, and also somehow finds time to be a mathematician who teaches at places like MIT and Manhattan University. Come listen to his West African-influenced jazz, and maybe bring your math homework to ask him about during breaks.
Courtesy of Crown Hill Theater
Saturday, March 22
Coastal Cleanup @ Brooklyn Bridge Park
9-11 a.m.
We all need to do our part to keep the borough beautiful—ideally while experiencing incredible views. The best way to accomplish all of the above is to sign up for this volunteer shift at Brooklyn Bridge Park. You can see the bridge, the water, and the park, and make a difference at the same time.
House Is Liberation: A House Music Fundraiser @ The Rep Music Cafe
4-10 p.m.
Dancing feels even better when it’s for a good cause. This event, which will consist of a house music party indoors and an outdoor market out back, is supported by both Black Intifada and Dancers for Palestine. It’s raising funds for Ahmad Salem, a Palestinian photojournalist from Gaza; and Kamau Sadiki, a former Black Panther and member of the Black Liberation Army who is currently locked up in Georgia, the victim of a renewed effort by law enforcement in the early 2000s to target former revolutionaries from decades prior.
Opening Receptions for Susan Bee, Maria RJ, & Ohan Breiding @ A.I.R. Gallery
6-8 p.m.
Not one, not two, but three new exhibitions are opening up simultaneously at the historic A.I.R. Gallery — the very first non-profit, artist-run gallery for women in the entire country. Come to check out Susan Bee’s Days of Awe: New Paintings; Maria RJ’s Hunter, Healer, Warrior, Death; and Ohan Breiding’s Beside the Sun.
Best of the 80’s & 90’s Dancehall Selecta Series @ Crown Hill Theater
8 p.m.
This show features a few absolutely legendary dancehall selectas: Rory “RoryStoneLove” Gilligan (a part of Jamaica’s legendary Stone Love Movement) and British DJ David Rodigan. Plenty of other acts are on the bill as well. If you care at all about dancehall, this is the show to see.
Courtesy of Wonderville
Sunday, March 23
Natural Hair Fest @ Sheraton Brooklyn Hotel
10 a.m.-11:59 p.m.
A day-long “convention and celebration of natural beauty,” Natural Hair Fest New York City will feature live product demonstrations, moderated discussions, and special guest appearances. In addition, the jam-packed schedule features a spoken word open mic, a holiday gift expo, a fashion show, and late-night dancing and networking.
Trans Day of Visibility Mini Film Fest @ Wonderville
2-6 p.m.
With trans folks being among the most high-profile targets of our new administration, Transgender Day of Visibility takes on extra resonance this year. While the commemoration doesn’t take place until March 31, Wonderville is celebrating early with a film festival of shorts by trans creators. The evening will be capped off by a screening of 1995’s Ghost in the Shell.
A Current Affair: Pop Up Vintage Marketplace in Brooklyn @ Industry City
12-6 p.m.
A Current Affair is an event that brings together over 70 vintage retailers and private dealers from all over the country, all in the same place. Whatever era you’re looking for, from Victorian on up, you’re sure to find it somewhere.
NY LOVES LA (A Benefit Show) @ The Bell House
7 p.m.
Sure, we all love taking potshots at Los Angeles. But when the chips are down, we East Coasters make sure to come together to help our friends on the other side of the country. The Bell House is doing its part by putting on this show featuring a ton of great comedians, as well as musical guest Rhett Miller, to benefit the California Community Foundation and World Central Kitchen Southern California Meal Support Efforts.
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