• Features

    National Park Service Hosts Civil War Weekend Aug. 8-9

    We are happy to report the Governors Island National Monument will be hosting the annual Civil War Weekend August 8 and 9 this month. The island fills with scores of living history enthusiasts that bring the 1860s to the park. The National Park Service and volunteers are joined by dozens of Civil War re-enactors in uniform. See camp life, watch cannon and rifle demonstrations, and learn about the history of Governors Island when it was an important Army post. All of the activities are centered around the National Monument at Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and the Soldiers Camp nearby. Free tours of Fort Jay and Castle Williams are offered. For…

  • Features

    Brothel Rolls onto Island, Poetry Fans Are Customers

    With the annual New York City Poetry Festival coming up on July 25 and 26, we are checking in with some of the groups that are participating. The Poetry Brothel is returning to Governors Island and bringing the poetry whores to Building 407 on Brick Row, an 1894 officers’ quarters. We spoke to co-founder Stephanie Berger about what to expect in her house of ill-fame. Don’t forget to bring cash to have a poem read to you. What is the history of The Poetry Brothel and how did it start? What is your mission? Nicholas Adamski and I started The Poetry Brothel in late 2007/early 2008 to revitalize the concept…

  • Brooklyn ARTery
    Features

    Brooklyn ARTery Brings Local Artisans & Activities to Nolan Park

    The arts are represented well on Governors Island, but one special place not to miss is the Brooklyn ARTery. This is where artists from around the world have handmade items on display and for sale, but also where free DIY classes and events are held for all. The group prides itself on having items from local artists and fair trade artisans worldwide. Brooklyn ARTery is in Building 10, an 1878 house built for an officer and his family, on the end of Nolan Park. It is open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM to 5 PM, but will stay until 6 if it’s busy. Their online calendar lists special events. We…

  • Features

    Explore Art Kibbutz in Nolan Park on Sundays

    Tucked into Building 6 in Nolan Park, a former Army officers’ quarters built in 1878, is Art Kibbutz. This is the only Jewish arts organization on the island, and it is presenting unique programming that is free and open to the public to view on Sundays. What is the history of Art Kibbutz and how did it start? Art Kibbutz is an international Jewish artist residency, community of 500+ artists and hub. Our mission is to foster global arts conversation and exchange among artists of exceptional talent in an inspiring and peaceful space to work, learn, and seriously explore the rich heritage of Jewish experience that informs their creative process.…

  • New York City Poetry Festival
    News

    New York City Poetry Festival July 25-26

    The fifth annual New York City Poetry Festival returns to Governors Island on July 25-26 in Colonel’s Row Park. The featured poets this year are Nick Flynn, Patricia Spears Jones, David Matlin, and Fran Quinn. The headliners will be reading for The Poetry Society of New York at 3pm on the Algonquin Stage on Sunday, July 26. Admission is free and open to the public. Kids are welcome and the hours are 11 AM to 6 PM both Saturday and Sunday. All information is on the group’s site and Facebook page. Stephanie Berger and Nicholas Adamski founded the New York City Poetry Festival in the summer of 2011. The purpose…

  • Michael Arenella
    News

    Photos From Jazz Age Lawn Party

    It was the 10th anniversary of the Jazz Age Lawn Party, and I don’t see how it could get any more perfect. Once more, Michael Arenella has pulled off another fantastic weekend on Governors Island. The Brooklyn bandleader and his team produced a fantastic event that had a wonderful turnout. The weather cooperated and it was a warm and sunny weekend for live jazz, shows, cocktails, and special events. I’m a fan of the Court of Pie and the pie baking contest. I talked to people that had come from Europe for the weekend to attend. The next Jazz Age Lawn Party is August 15 and 16, 2015, and tickets…

  • Michael Arenella
    News

    Prepare For Jazz Age Lawn Party June 13-14

    The first Jazz Age Lawn Party of 2015, the 10th annual, is this weekend on Governors Island. Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra are returning once more with one of the best events on any calendar. Organizers announced this week that while tickets are sold out, there will be some general admission tickets available at the door for $75.00 each. Michael founded the Jazz Age Lawn Party and oversees the annual event. A recent story in the Village Voice by Zoë Leverant pointed out something that many people miss–or overlook–in the rush to take selfies and dress up in vintage clothes: the music is dynamite. It’s the musical authenticity that…

  • Sculptors Guild 2015
    Features

    Sculptors Guild Returns to Nolan Park

    Fifth in a Series. Ever since Governors Island opened to the public in 2003, art has been very important to the former military base. It’s been an exciting destination for fans of modern and contemporary art to see the numerous outdoor and indoor pieces. The Sculptors Guild is among those organizations that participates by setting up in Nolan Park. They are located in Building 15, formerly officer’s quarters built in 1878. The exhibit is open Saturdays, Sundays and Holiday Mondays 12-5. We got the information on what is on view for 2015 from Michael Wolf. He said that the opening reception is this Saturday, June 6, 2-5pm. There should be…

  • Writing On It All
    Features

    Writing On It All Returns to Put Words on Walls

    Fourth in a Series Nolan Park welcomes back Writing On It All for another season on Governors Island. A unique program where writers write directly on the walls of a house, this one-of-a-kind public session is free and open to all. It is in Building 8, officers’ quarters built in 1878. Sessions are held each Saturday and Sunday in June. All open sessions begin at 1pm. The house will remain open for an hour after each session, 3-4 PM. We asked the organizations project manager, Zina Goodall, a few questions about the 2015 season. What is the history of Writing On It All and how did it start? Writing On…

  • Features

    10 Tips to Visit Governors Island

    As Governors Island opens this weekend for its 13th annual public season—and is open 7 days a week—until September, here is a list of things to remember before getting in line for the ferry. 1. Before leaving home, charge your mobile phones to 100 percent. The island only got electricity in 1905, and getting a charge is like finding the ghost of U.S. Grant. 2. Bring cash. The bank closed in 1996. The pop-up shops and food vendors appreciate your cash. 3. Wear comfortable shoes. Unless you are going to walk off the ferry and sit down immediately, you’ll probably walk at least one to three miles (or more) in…