COLUMBIA STREET WATERFRONT DISTRICT — Ten years after opening its doors, Columbia Street's Jalopy Theatre is getting ready to celebrate its birthday with four days of traditional American music, photography and art next month.
Though Jalopy's first show took place on the last weekend in August in 2006, the theater will officially begin its celebrations on Sept. 15 with a pre-party at its neighboring restaurant, followed by a host of performances over the following three days.
Back in 2006, Lynette and Geoff Wiley opened the music venue, school and instrument shop after moving to Brooklyn from Chicago. The couple spent years searching for the perfect spot before settling on the space near the Red Hook waterfront, Lynette Wiley said.
"The idea was basically to have one space where artists can perform, artists can teach and artists can show their work," she said.
Jalopy Theatre primarily focuses on traditional American music, including folk, blues, country and bluegrass.
"It's the music of the people," Wiley said.
Over the past decade, Jalopy has expanded to include an adjacent restaurant, Jalopy Tavern, a record label and a radio show. The Wileys are also co-producers of the eight-year-old Brooklyn Folk Festival.
For a full roster of performances and events at the Jalopy Theatre and Tavern between Sept. 15 and 18, click here.
