The First Saturday series at the Brooklyn Museum is set return on February 7, marking the beginning of Black History Month and the 28th year of the museum’s late night event programming.
Each month, the First Saturday series focuses on a different theme connected to an exhibition or collection at the museum. The series has become famous for its curation, scale, and intentional celebration of cultural heritage.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our upcoming season of spectacular performances, curiosity-sparking programming, and most importantly, joy,” Lauren Zelaya, the museum’s director of public programs, said in a statement.
Along with showcasing art, First Saturdays come with a huge party with people enjoying music and drinks. At various times throughout the night, there are music performances, poetry readings, and other community-building activities.
The title and theme for this upcoming First Saturday is “Imitate No One.” The event takes inspiration from Seydou Keïta’s exhibition “A Tactile Lens.”
Keïta was a Malian photographer best known for his portrait photography. He photographed people and families, and fans appreciate his work for how he captured Malian society. His work has been displayed in solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Currently, six of his photographs are on view at the Museum of Modern Art. For this First Saturday Event, the Brooklyn Museum will host a tour of his work on the fourth floor in the Schapiro Wing from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Music will be a center point for this upcoming First Saturday. Throughout the evening, there will be multiple acts connected to this month’s theme.
Cue the Record, a New York-based collective, will host a listening session of Fela Kuti’s 1973 album “Gentleman.”
There will also be a performance by the late Jayne Cortez’s band the Firesplitters, an electro-funk modern jazz group.
DJs for the evening include Auntie Spice, Monday Blue, and legendary turntablist Timmy Regisford. Their mixes of house, soul, funk, and jazz music are sure to keep the vibes flowing throughout the evening.
Harpist and composer Naliah Hunter will play music from her debut album “Lovegaze” and there will be a performance by Magician Nicole Cardoza.
The Brooklyn Museum is at 200 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. First Saturday runs from 5–10 p.m. Admission is free, but event registration is required in advance.