Roulette Brings Experimental Music to Brooklyn. For Kids, Too!

Since 1978, Roulette has introduced audiences to a wide variety of experimental music and performance. And now, the performance space has made the move across the river.

So long Tribeca, hello Brooklyn.

The experimental music power house has taken over the restored 1920’s art deco theater located on Atlantic and Third avenues at the .

And because this is Brooklyn, Roulette is hosting kids events.

“The Roulette Kids series was started as a way of showing kids that there’s more to music than just practicing scales and learning the classical hits," said Doron Sadja, Publicity Manager for Roulette. "We have such incredible performers coming through Roulette, so this is our way of making sure it’s not just for adults.”

On Saturday, July 23 Roulette hosts three free one-hour workshops for kids and is giving families a sneak preview of the space, which doesn't officially open until the weekend of September 15.

At 1 p.m., kids ages 8 - 11 can learn the art of DJing with Jeannie Hopper, a DJ at WBAI. Your kids can spin some vinyl and get hands on with the turntable and the microphone after seeing a demonstration on the art of mixing songs.

At 2 p.m., future drummers ages 9 - 14 can partake in Junk Percussion Jam with Andrew Drury, a composer and percussionist. Drury will teach kids about various forms of percussion as they compose with plastic buckets, garbage cans and other items in this inventive workshop.

The last workshop at 3 p.m. is for kids ages 7 - 10 and focuses on sound and movement. Taught by Tatyana Tenebaum and Brandin Steffensen, the class will involve singing, movement and creating sound through space.

Beyond music for kids and adults, the theater’s lobby will be an art gallery, and the space will also house recording and mixing studios.

“Roulette's ongoing purpose is to provide opportunities for innovative composers, musicians, sound artists and interdisciplinary collaborators to present their work in accessible, appropriate and professional productions," said Sadja.

For Roulette, the move to Brooklyn just made sense.

“We've been thinking about moving for some time now, and after seeing a few places in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, it was obvious that Brooklyn just made more sense," said Sadja. "Thirty years ago, lower Manhattan was the center of the artistic community, but things have changed. At this point, more and more of our audience and performers are living in Brooklyn, so it just made more sense to us to be where our community is.”

Roulette plans on offering kid-friendly events during their opening weekend and hopes to host monthly kid’s workshops and concerts after they open as well.

There is no experience needed for any of the classes but space is limited. Roulette requests that you RSVP by calling 212-219-8242.