About the Other Night: The Alan Gala

The Howard Gilman Opera House transforms for The Alan Gala. Photo: Beowulf Sheehan

Brooklyn, New York—it’s a helluva town!

On Tuesday, April 4th, we celebrated the incomparable legacy of our very own "no-holds-barred, take-it-to-the-limit Chairman” Emeritus, Alan H. Fishman. After nearly 30 years of service on BAM’s Board of Trustees (14 of which he spent as chairman), the Brooklyn-bred Fishman stepped down at the end of 2016–leaving us no choice but to fête him in style.

Alan & Judith Fishman arrive. Photo: Elena Olivo

About the Other Night: The Karen Gala

Photo: Kristine Bumphrey, Starpix

Oh what a night!

You don’t celebrate 36 years and a leader like Karen Brooks Hopkins with just any old party. You do it with dinner in a greenhouse, a champagne boat ride under the Brooklyn Bridge, a massive light show for all of Fort Greene, late night hot dog vendors, and a 2am dance off. And that’s not even including the main highlights of the night (Steve Reich! Mavis Staples! Rufus & Martha Wainwright! Illstyle & Peace Productions! Paul Simon! Laurie Anderson! The BAM Karen!). To paraphrase the guest of honor’s signature expression, the Karen Gala wasn’t a party, it was a crusade.

Duggal Greenhouse. Photo: Beowulf Sheehan

About Last Night: The Ignite Gala

Last night BAM wrapped up a very full season with the Ignite Gala: Benefiting BAM Education. The fun-filled evening began with cocktails in the Dorothy Levitt lobby, followed by a gorgeous dinner on the stage of the Howard Gilman Opera House and a playful dessert reception with a DIY margarita bar.

The evening was a great way to jump in to summer. Read on for more about the event and what's coming up for BAM Education!

And check-out the full photo album.

About Last Night: Lyon Opera Ballet Opening Night Party

Yorgos Loukos, artistic director, Lyon Opera Ballet Company (second from R); choreographer Christian Rizzo (second from L), and company members celebrate opening night.

BAM members didn’t have far to go for the party after the show Wednesday night. As the Lyon Opera Ballet's ni fleurs, ni ford-mustang let out in the Opera House, members at the Supporter level and up made their way to BAM’s Lepercq Space for the Opening Night Party.

About Last Night: BAM Art Auction Closing Party

BAM took a trip to downtown Manhattan on Monday for the closing party of the 10th annual BAM Art Auction.

The auction was held at the Whitebox Art Center in the Bowery, and featured the work of 90 artists, including such well-known names as Richard Serra, Alex Katz, Dustin Yellin, and Deborah Kass; some lesser known emerging ones, like Brie Ruaz and Rachel Beach; and at least one you recognize but didn’t know created visual art—Moby.

BAM Board Chairman's Dinner

Last Thursday, we were honored to host the 13th annual BAM Board Chairman's Dinner, a celebration of the work of BAM's most passionate advocates. Hosted by Board Chairman Alan Fishman and his wife, Judy Fishman, the event has become one of BAM's favorite traditions.

Alan and Judy Fishman welcome guests to the 13th Annual BAM Board Chairman's Dinner

This particular evening was especially significant, as it included the dedication of one of the iconic arched windows in BAM's Lepercq Space in honor of BAM Trustee Richard Feldman. During the 2013 BAM Ignite Gala, Richard was named the recipient of the first Ignite Award in recognition of his incredible contributions to arts education at BAM.

The plaque reads: "This iconic BAM window is dedicated to Ignite Award recipient Richard E. Feldman in recognition
of his tireless support for arts education at BAM. June 4, 2013"

About Last Night: Next Society Celebration at River Café

The cast of A Doll's House poses under the New York skyline with Karen Brooks Hopkins and Joe Melillo.

The scene Sunday night was perfect for an event: a candle-lit restaurant overlooking the East River, the New York skyline looming, the Brooklyn Bridge overhead. After a matinee performance, the lauded cast of A Doll’s House joined BAM’s Next Society members at The River Café  for the annual dinner event.

About Last Night: A Doll's House Opening Night Reception

A Doll's House star, Hattie Morahan, with actor Alan Cox. (Photo: Elena Olivo.)

BAM kept the lights on late at the Harvey Theater Wednesday night for the opening of the Young Vic’s acclaimed production of A Doll’s House, and for an after-show reception for members at the Benefactor level and above.

Minutes after Nora slammed the door on stage, actress Hattie Morahan made an elegant entrance to the after-party where guests were treated to a classic English-themed spread—Brooklyn style—complete with mini shepherd’s pies, corned beef sliders, and pea soup shooters. Brooklyn Gin served up a custom cocktail for the night with fresh lemon juice, ginger, club soda, and Owl’s Brew Classic—an artisanal mixer crafted from English Breakfast tea.

BAM Theater Gala: King Lear

(Photo: Elena Olivo)

Last Thursday night, BAM celebrated the month-long run of King Lear and the 2014 Winter/Spring season with a feast fit for a king—even a mad one.

The occasion: BAM’s annual Theater Gala. The location: the ornate Skylight One Hanson building, next door to BAM. Over 400 guests, including Hugh Jackman, Marisa Tomei, and Jonathan Safran Foer, among others, were welcomed into a lush landscape of green and gold, a world removed from the snow-filled one outside. Décor designer Fleurs Bella seamlessly intertwined lavish table settings with regal finishes, taking inspiration from the themes of political and natural power in the show.

Read on for more on the gala.

The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Breakfast

The Christian Cultural Center Choir. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

On Monday morning, the building was abuzz for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute breakfast, an annual BAM event and the prelude to the largest celebration of Dr. King in New York City. The main lobby was packed well before the event began, and the energy was positive and celebratory. When 9AM rolled around, the crowd headed to the Lepercq Space to sit down to a buffet breakfast.

During the breakfast, remarks were given by BAM President Karen Hopkins; Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Target District Team Leader Kevin Bryant; Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer; 35th District Brooklyn Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo; Assemblyman Walter Mosley and more.

Keep reading for more on the breakfast reception and Tribute!

Toasting Lear: The Young Producer’s Benefit

Photo: Elena Olivo

On the night of January 15, BAM celebrated the opening of Chichester Festival Theatre's lauded production of King Lear at the Harvey Theater, directed by Angus Jackson. The Young Producers, a group of young professionals who make up one of BAM's newest and most forward-thinking patron programs, celebrated as well. And it did so in style: the annual Young Producer's Benefit was a sleek, wine- and food-filled party with the cast and crew.

The night began with a performance of King Lear, starring Tony Award winner and Academy Award nominee Frank Langella as the mad king and disgraced patriarch, one of the most coveted roles in theater. Moments after the actors took their bows, the crowd flooded into the Campbell Lobby for a special post-show reception. The cast and crew joined the celebration, with an English-themed food spread—complete with mini shepherd pies and single servings of fish and chips. In addition, Brooklyn Gin designed a specially themed cocktail for the night, and the lobby was lushly decorated by Bella Meyer and the design team at Fleurs Bella.

A Rite Opening Night Party

The BAM Lepercq Space done up for the 31st Next Wave, featuring the installation You Are Here by Ken Nintzel (Photos: Elena Olivo)

Last night, BAM celebrated the merging of two artistic powerhouses with the opening of A Rite, the dance theater celebration of the riot-inciting production that shook the Parisian art scene a century ago. Post show, artists from both Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and Anne Bogart's SITI Company joined audience members and guests for an opening night party in the BAM Lepercq Space.  

Anna Nicole: An Opening Affair to Remember

Last Tuesday, BAM and New York City Opera transformed the Lepercq Space into a playmate's paradise.

The evening celebrated the beginning of the 31st Next Wave Festival and the US premiere of Anna Nicole, an opera inspired by the life of the infamous stripper-turned-celebrity, Anna Nicole Smith.  The bawdy collaboration between composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and librettist Richard Thomas premiered at the Royal Opera House in London, where it was hailed by The New York Times as “a musically rich, audacious, and inexplicably poignant work.”

The night began in BAM's Lepercq Space, which received a playful pink and white treatment, courtesy of decor designer Fleurs Bella. Dressed in fabulous attire, guests tucked into dishes catered by Great Performances and inspired by Anna Nicole's Texas roots and favorite snacks.

BAMcinemaFest 2013 Opening Night Party

Film artists and aficionados alike flocked to the Harvey Theater and Skylight One Hanson last night for the opening night of BAMcinemaFest 2013, the fifth anniversary of the annual festival.

The evening began with the premiere of David Lowery’s gritty drama Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, starring Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, and Ben Foster. Audiences were also introduced to the brand-new Steinberg Screen, BAM’s newest artistic expansion, which transforms the historic Harvey Theater into Brooklyn’s largest movie palace.

Guests watching the premiere of Ain't Them Bodies Saints on the brand new Steinberg Screen in the Harvey Theater

After the film, guests were ushered down the street to Skylight One Hanson where they were treated to a fair-themed extravaganza in the beautiful and unique venue. DJ Monk-One set the tone with an eclectic mix of dance music while partygoers snacked on the sweet and savory treats displayed in the candy bar at the center of the room. Décor designer Fleurs Bella mixed towering greens and enormous blooms with silver balloons, and caterer Great Performances served up pulled pork sliders and nachos.

BAM Takes it to Manhattan for the Ignite Gala

Last Tuesday we celebrated the very first Ignite Gala: Benefitting Arts Education at BAM.

Guests celebrated in Skylight’s beautiful new event space, Skylight Modern in Chelsea, alongside some of the students that they were helping to support. The evening was hosted by Alan H. Fishman, BAM board chair; Karen Brooks Hopkins, BAM president; and Joseph V. Melillo, BAM executive producer. The gala co-chairs were Brigitte Vosse and Pedro Jose Torres & Cecilia Picon.

The evening began with cocktails and a preview of our Charity Buzz online auction, where guests were welcome to place bids on items like a walk-on role in an episode of IFC’s Portlandia and a week in a luxurious Amanyara villa on the island of Providenciales. The auction, which benefits arts education at BAM, will continue online through June 18th.

David et Jonathas Opening Night Party

William Lach and Kivlighan de Montebello who play Young David and Jonathas (don't worry, that's water!) with their parents at the Opening Night Party of David et Jonathas (Photo: Elena Olivo)

Renowned conductor William Christie and early music group Les Arts Florissants returned to BAM with David et Jonathas, a rarely staged opera by composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. BAM was excited to welcome these remarkable artists back to the Opera House following their spectacular production of Atys in 2011.

William Christie (center) with guests (Photo: Elena Olivo)

Following the opening performance, BAM members at the Sustainers level and above joined the company for a French-themed reception in the Lepercq space. Delectable catering by Great Performances charmed guests with pomme frites in individual cones, Brooklyn Gin provided a specialty cocktail "Le Maudit," along with an assortment of Brooklyn Brewery beer. It felt like springtime with Fleurs Bella's magnificent cherry blossom arrangements.

We have many more exciting events coming up this Spring! Be sure to check them out.

Click below for more photos from the event.

An exclusive evening with the RSC

L-R: At the BAM Next Society Celebration: Shakespeare Society Artistic Director Michael Sexton; BAM President Karen Brooks Hopkins; Bank of America BAM Trustee Jeff Barker. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

On Monday night, members participated in an exclusive program co-presented by BAM and the Shakespeare Society, in which Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro and actors from the Royal Shakepeare Company's Julius Caesar explored characters from the play through scene work and discussion. Guests left feeling extremely moved by the program which was entitled "Brutus and Julius Caesar: The Nature of an Insurrection." The Next Society Celebration, an annual event for this special group of BAM patrons, followed the program.

Company members Chartwell Dutiro, who plays the mbira in the live band onstage, with

Ray Fearon (Mark Antony) at last night's event. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

Read on for more about the event!

Et ego, Brute.

"Et tu, Brute?"
Paterson Joseph, who plays Marcus Brutus, and the cast of Julius Caesar. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

To kick-off our event-filled month of April, we welcomed the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Company back to the BAM stage with its much anticipated production of Julius Caesar. This vibrant production is directed by Gregory Doran with an African inspired set and features an all black cast, including a chorus of community members. 

Sir Patrick Stewart, who was in the first RSC production to come to BAM in 1971, A Midsummer Night's Dream, with Gregory Doran, artistic director of the RSC and director of Julius Caesar. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

BAM President Karen Brooks Hopkins and Executive Producer Joseph V. Melillo spoke at the event, welcoming the company and patrons. Laura Egodigwe from Bank of America, Gregory Doran, and Catherine Mallyon, executive producer of the Royal Shakespeare Company spoke at the party as well. Among the many guests in attendance, was long-time BAM supporter, actor, and friend Sir Patrick Stewart.

Read on for more about the Opening Night Reception and for more information about our many upcoming events!

A Karaoke Wonderland

by Jessica Bell

photo by Jorge Rodriguez

Last night at the BAM Fisher, nearly 250 people gathered to experience the ultimate version of artist-centric karaoke. The project, CKTV, organized by Cleopatra's and artist Chris Rice and presented by BAMart, in its third iteration, is a cross between performance art and good old fashioned hipster fun.

“We’re really excited to be able to do this project here at BAM,” said curator and Cleopatra's member Bridget Finn. CKTV was originally conceived as a whimsical experiment to explore what happens when artists are given the green light to self-produce and reinterpret longstanding karaoke hits. The end result? More than 70 charming and provocative videos projected on a screen in the form of a curated playlist.

Laramie Sparkles: The Opening Night Reception for The Laramie Project Cycle

The Opening Night Reception for The Laramie Project Cycle took place on Tuesday, February 12, 2013.
(L-R) Special guest Emma Johnson of the Johnson Family Foundation, and Moisés Kaufman, artistic director of Tectonic Theater Project 
(Photo: Elena Olivo)

"Why does this play continue to be performed all over the country?"

 

Director Moisés Kaufman of Tectonic Theater Project shared this question with guests at last night's opening night reception for The Laramie Project Cycle. Indeed, The Laramie Project is one of the top 10 most performed plays in America and though it recounts events that happened more than 14 years ago—the brutal killing of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998—the play clearly continues to be highly topical. Read more about the opening night reception and Moisés Kaufman's question below, and share your thoughts in comments!

BAMfans (all members in their 20s and 30s), Generation Advance, and the Producers Council were invited to attend the opening night party. To learn more about this and other membership opportunities please visit us at BAM.org/Support.