Tompkins Avenue Open Street Returns This Weekend With DJ, Drumline

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A popular Open Street in Bed-Stuy is getting ready to make a musical return this weekend.

The Tompkins Avenue Open Street, which started last year, will celebrate its 2022 kick off on Sunday with a series of performances, special guests and the debut of a new market, organizers announced.

The Open Street — nicknamed TAMA Sundays — will be run by the Tompkins Avenue Merchants Association and Bridge Street Development Corporation each week from the May 15 opening through September.

“TAMA is a social, cultural, and economic phenomenon that has taken Brooklyn and New YorkState by storm, setting the tone for the city's summer months,” Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman said. “The partnership between NYC DOT, BridgeStreet Development Corporation, TAMA, and the community is the special sauce that makes summers in the 56th Assembly District great. Congratulations on another year of TAMA Fest!”

The Tompkins Avenue Open Street was chosen as one of the best outdoor programs across the city after its debut in 2021. It runs from 12 to 7 p.m. each Sunday, excluding holiday weekends.

This year, opening day will include a performance from Sudanese-born emcee DJ mOma. The Brooklyn DJ will set up at Bed-Vyne Brew on the corner of Putnam and Tompkins avenues from 2 to 7 p.m., organizers said.

The Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts' local marching band and drumline "Empire Marching Elite" will also perform at the opening celebration, which will be joined by Zinerman and City Councilmember Chi Ossé.

Also new this year will be a Tompkins Avenue Open Street Market to highlight small businesses. The market, run by Indigo Style Vintage owner Sheryl Roberts, can be found between Monroe Street and Gates Avenue.

The Tompkins Avenue Open Street is one of six spots in Bed-Stuy that will participate this year in the city's Open Streets program, which started in the pandemic as a way to give more room for pedestrians, cyclists and outdoor activities.

Open Streets are also set up on Chauncey Street, Howard Avenue, Decatur Street, Jefferson Avenue and Lewis Avenue.