Get Out: DanceAfrica, Freddie Hubbard Jazz Tribute, Festival Kickoff Party with Q-Tip and Pete Rock

WHAT: : Expressions and Encounters: African, Cuban, and American Rhythms

WHEN/WHERE: Fri., May 27 at 7:30 p.m., Sat., May 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sun. May 29 at 3 p.m., and Mon., May 30 at 3 p.m. Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Avenue, between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street.

WHY GO: Now in its 34th year, DanceAfrica unites dance companies from around the world to celebrate the cultural vitality of Africa and its Diaspora. This year, BAM welcomes Santiago de Cuba-based Ballet Folklórico Cutumba, masters of the island’s vibrant Afro-Cuban and Haitian popular styles. They will be joined by Kùlú Mèlé African Dance and Drum Ensemble, Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble, and Brooklyn’s very own BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble for a program that promises to inspire.

COST: Subscription Tickets: $16—40, Full price $20-50, Ages 16 & Under: $10—25

WHAT:  

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, May 28, from noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, May 29, noon to 8 p.m.; and Monday, May 30, noon to 8 p.m., Ashland Place, between Hanson Place and Fulton Street

WHY GO: As part of BAM's annual DanceAfrica program, the always packed and ever-growing outdoor Bazaar returns, with over 200 food, crafts, and fashion vendors from around the world. The Bazaar will also feature entertainment for families with face painting and crafts at the Children's Village, and guest artists roaming through the marketplace throughout the day.

COST: Free

WHAT: Hangout in Brooklyn Bridge Park

WHEN/WHERE: This weekend, Memorial Day Weekend: Hours of operation are from 6 AM to 1 AM daily, 2 Old Fulton Street (at Water Street), DUMBO, Brooklyn

WHY GO: Brooklyn Bridge Park has opened a whole new section, complete with sand volleyball courts, and great food concessions. Visitors can feast on classic hot dogs, melted cheese sandwiches, milkshakes, organic ice cream, and Italian ices, not to mention beer and wine, Mexican style carne asado and, yes, even carrot sticks.

It's the perfect foodie destination for people biking across the Brooklyn Bridge or just hanging out under the bridge

COST: Free

WHAT: Robert Rutledge in a Memorial Day Tribute to Freddie Hubbard

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, May 28, 2011, 9:00 pm and 10:30 pm, , 456 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216

WHY GO: A place for jazz music enthusiasts, Sistas' Place is one of the best kept secrets in New York, attracting some of the world's greatest and most respected jazz musicians. For many years, its shows have been featured regularly in Hot House Magazine and All About Jazz newspaper. The venue is small-- holding about 30 people sitting-- but it puts customers up close and personal with the musicians.

Sistas' Place also shares its space next door with the Freedom Party (NYC) headquarters; a juice bar and fruit and vegetable market; and the Code Foundation, a youth organization.

COST: $20 with a reservation and $25 at the door

WHAT: Fort Greene Festival Kickoff Party

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, May 28, at 9:00 pm, Sanders Studio, 525 Waverly Avenue (between Fulton and Atlantic Avenues)

WHY GO: Q-Tip and Pete Rock will be rocking the house for the Fort Greene Festival Kickoff Party. Rosie Perez, Danny Simmons, Michaela Angela Davis, and Danny Castro, featuring music by Q-Tip and Pete Rock. Plus giveaways and other surprises TBA. Visit fortgreenefest.com for more info.

Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door