Art should be affordable at all times, most especially during lean times. This year, a live performance at Kingsborough costs less than a movie ticket. Now that’s a bargain!

Free Sundays at Kingsborough!

Performing in elaborate masks to the explosive percussion of brilliant drummers, Kotchegna Dance Company brings to life the ancient stories and legends of Africa’s Ivory Coast. Under the artistic direction of Vado Diomande, Kotchegna is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most exciting African troupes in the United States.   The whole family will enjoy these “feverishly intricate rhythms.” – The New York Times

Presented in collaboration with the Center for Traditional Music and Dance.

Roy Zimmerman presents his one-man show of satirical songs and comic commentary on politics, war, and greed. Faulty Intelligence features engaging melodies, wickedly inventive rhymes, and decidedly lefty lyrics. Zimmerman has shared the stage with George Carlin, Bill Maher, and Dennis Miller. His musical and political influences range from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger to Cole Porter and The Beatles. His topical material keeps pace with the headlines and the 2008 election.  "Zimmerman displays a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society's foibles.” -- The Los Angeles Times

Ages 13 and up; running time is 60 minutes.

Adventurous improviser and visionary composer Ben Allison has performed the world over with musicians ranging from saxophonist Lee Konitz to oudist Ara Dinkjian. He also writes music for film, television and radio, including the theme for National Public Radio’s “On the Media” and the score for Two Days, a play by Pulitzer Prize-winner Donal Margulies. Allison and his band Man Size Safe released “Little Things Run the World” in 2008, acclaimed by Billboard as one of the year’s best jazz CDs. “Jazz, rock, Americana – call it what you will, it sparkles with invention.” – Hartford Courant PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CARNEGIE HALL NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERT SERIES.

All ages; running time is 90 minutes.

>>More info

In the exquisite music of Bombay-born singer Falu, East meets West and ancient music seduces modern. Falu blends classical Indian music traditions with indie rock and pop, adding a bit of Bollywood spice. One of the foremost disciples of the legendary singer Ustad Sultan Khan, Falu has collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma, Philip Glass, and Wyclef Jean, and she performed for the Dalai Lama at Lincoln Center. Her music has been featured on Fox Television’s “Fearless Music,” Voice of America, and in the film A Place in Time (dir. Angelina Jolie). This brilliant young artist delivers a performance that is “ethereal . . . transcendent . . . spiritual.” – Billboard.com

Presented in collaboration with the Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series.

All ages; running time is 90 minutes.

Basya Schechter and Pharaoh's Daughter take you on a magic carpet ride of swirling Judaic chants, Mizrachi and Sephardic folk-rock melodies, Arabic rhythms and African beats. The band’s sensual Mediterranean sound filters through percussion, flute, and strings and comes from Basya's Hasidic music training as well as her travels through Israel and the Middle East, Egypt and Africa, Turkey, Kurdistan and Greece. Celebrate Women’s History Month with the beguiling Pharaoh’s Daughter, where “the reverent gets along famously with the edgy.” – Boston Phoenix.

All ages; running time is 90 minutes.

From the heart of Harlem comes the McCullough Sons of Thunder, bringing the rich tradition of African-American Gospel music to their brass ensemble. Whether collaborating with the renowned David Byrne or performing at The White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center or Apollo Theater, this outstanding group brings audiences to their feet. “Undeniably visceral and uplifting, designed to lend comfort and healing with enough volume to be heard in the heavens.” – The Village Voice

All ages; running time 90 minutes.

Experience the power of traditional Afro-Haitian music and dance, including the sacred arts of Vodou. Under the direction of Master Drummer and NEA Heritage Fellow Frisner Augustin, this acclaimed ensemble explores the dynamic history and culture of Haiti. Founded in 1973 in Port-au-Prince, the troupe is based in Brooklyn with a mission to preserve the traditions of Haiti and the Haitian community of New York City.

PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL MUSIC & DANCE AND THE CITY OF NEW YORK’S IMMIGRANT HERITAGE WEEK.

All ages; running time is 90 minutes.

The taiko is the voice and spirit of the Japanese people.  In ancient times, these giant drums summoned gods and spirits, drove away evil forces, and gave strength and courage to warriors.  Today, taiko drumming is an art that celebrates life with dynamic movements and joyous expressions of pure energy.  Soh Daiko incorporates other traditional instruments including the atarigane (brass bell), horagai (conch shell), and fue (bamboo flute).  Don’t miss this spectacular demonstration of powerful rhythms, vigorous choreography, and sheer physical strength.

All ages; running time is 90 minutes.