Fill up with a hodgepodge of fun this weekend in the Ridge!
On Saturday night, parade your way to Brooklyn Firefly (7003 Third Ave. at Ovington Avenue) for two hours of New Orleans-inspired “street jazz” tunes courtesy of Baby Soda Jazz Band. The group blends the sounds of Big Easy brass, Dixieland jazz, and southern gospel to create a sound all its own, and will kick off a free show at 8 pm.
Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day again! Watch Bay Ridge’s beloved annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade wend its way along the 1.7-mile route down Third Avenue, from Marine Avenue to 67th Street. The family-friendly event starts at 1 pm, and will feature floats, 20 pipe and drum bands, and marching bands from local high schools.
After the parade, head to Red, White, and Brew (8910 Fifth Ave. between 89th and 90th streets) for four free hours of covers by Allman Brothers tribute band Back to the Fillmore. The five-man group will play ’70s hits from the Brothers starting at 3:30 pm.
Then get in touch with your softer side at the Bay Ridge Poets Society’s free monthly open mic night at the Owl’s Head (479 74th St. at between Fourth and Fifth Avenue), starting at 7:30 pm. Poets are welcome to take the stage, and so are musicians and writers. If you would prefer to keep your seat warm, you can sip on one of the wine bar’s many international pours while taking in the artistry.
On Wednesday, take a mid-week break to meet comedian and actor Mike Epps at the BookMark Shoppe (8415 Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets) at 7 pm, where he will sign copies of his new book “Unsuccessful Thugs.” In the $30 tome — which is required for entry — Epps recounts his crime-filled life in the inner city of Indianapolis before he abandoned drugs and theft for life as a stand-up comedian. Catch him before he dashes off to play Richard Pryor in an upcoming biopic!
