About Vox Pop

Vox Pop, which means "Voice of the People" in Latin, is a kid friendly Wi-Fi coffee house/bookstore/art gallery/music venue/performance space located on Cortelyou Road in Ditmas Park/Flatbush, Brooklyn. Our vision is to stand for democracy, equality and peace in the way we treat each other, our employees and the community. We strive to be a true community center where everyone is made to feel welcome and comfortable.

Vox Pop is a collective. There is no one owner of Vox Pop. There are over 180 shareholders, most members of the community we serve, but some living as far away as California. Our hope is that everyone who loves Vox Pop becomes an owner/shareholder of Vox Pop. If the entire community owns the place, it will surely be a staple of the Cortelyou Road scene for many, many years.

Vox Pop is a cafe that serves fair trade coffees and teas, all made to order using all organic milk products. We have a diverse menu of affordable organic, vegetarian and vegan choices from local vendors and farms. And we offer an extensive array of microbrewed beers and organic wines.

Vox Pop is a great music venue, providing a full schedule of diverse musical offerings -- from singer/songwriter to blues to jazz to hip hop to world music and drum circles. And we hold a well-loved Open Mic session every Sunday.

Vox Pop is an art gallery, exhibiting local artists' work on a revolving four week show basis, bringing art into the community.

Vox Pop is a forum for screening independent films and documentaries.

Vox Pop is a venue for book events and spoken word performances and poetry slams.

Vox Pop is an independent bookstore, carrying primarily non-mainstream published books, and you will find we are expanding our selection even further to include children’s books.

Vox Pop is a place for people to come together and have a true and open discussion about everything, politics, religion, environment and sustainability, to name a few. All views are welcome here. It is through this open exchange of ideas that true change can begin.

We offer our space for community groups like Flatbush for Peace and Sustainable Flatbush and even local moms and dads to meet and plan and change the world around them.

We have a great Kids Nook with wonderful children's programming and an award-winning weekly story hour, recognizing that kids need a voice, too.

We are also a self-publishing book company called Vox Pop Publishing. Click on our link to learn about the many services available to help authors get their work into print. From editing/proof reading, copyright and ISBN filings, cover design and layout to printed, bound copies, we are a full service publishing company. We work with Amazon.com to offer professional distribution, providing greater visibility on the internet. And, all authors are encouraged to hold book events at our café and sell their books in our book store.

Vox Pop is an award winning publisher with the Independent Publisher Award (IPPY) for Rebel Bookseller in 2005.

Come see us, share a cup of coffee or microbrew, and experience the welcoming space we call Vox Pop.

Directions

Vox Pop is located at:

1022 Cortelyou Rd. Brooklyn, NY 11218 Telephone: 718 940 2084

See map below

Directions by car: From downtown Manhattan use the Brooklyn Bridge or Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the BQE West (in the direction of the Verrazano Bridge) Take the BQE to the Prospect Expressway Exit. (Rt. 27 East, watch for it, it's a small exit, to the right, right after the 38th St. exit.) Take the Prospect to the end which turns into Ocean Parkway. Continue straight onto Ocean Parkway to the fourth light which is Cortelyou Road, (Ave. C is the last light before Cortelyou ). Turn left at Cortelyou and go to the end ( about 4 blocks ) to Coney Island Ave. Turn left onto Coney Island Ave and then an immediate right back onto Cortelyou. Vox Pop is on the first corner on the right at Stratford Road.

Subway: Q or F trains. Take the Q train to Cortelyou, take a left out of the station, walk four blocks, you'll run into us, corner of Stratford and Cortelyou. OR take the F train to Ditmas (@MacDonald Ave.), walk one block north to Cortelyou and take a right. Heading east on Cortelyou, walk nine blocks to Coney Island Ave. Cross the avenue (it's a staggered intersection) take a quick left then quick right. Vox Pop will be on your right at the corner of Stratford. The Q line is less of a walk. If you get lost, call us: 718 940 2084.

Map


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Events

Michelle Leona ... Ripe Local Produce Series ...
Thursday, September 2, 2010, 8:00 pm
8:00 Michelle Leona... 9:00 Hubby Jenkins ... http://www.myspace.com/hubbyjenkins ... 10:00 Bill Bern ... http://www.myspace.com/yourdevotedetc
Hubby Jenkins ... Ripe Local Produce Series ...
Thursday, September 2, 2010, 9:00 pm
8:00 Michelle Leona... 9:00 Hubby Jenkins ... http://www.myspace.com/hubbyjenkins ... 10:00 Bill Bern ... http://www.myspace.com/yourdevotedetc
Bill Bern ... Ripe Local Produce Series ...
Thursday, September 2, 2010, 10:00 pm
8:00 Michelle Leona... 9:00 Hubby Jenkins ... http://www.myspace.com/hubbyjenkins ... 10:00 Bill Bern ... http://www.myspace.com/yourdevotedetc
Eli August
Thursday, September 2, 2010, 11:00 pm
Eli August creates music with zeal and energy, focusing on mood, tonality and lyricism. The songwriting mines memories of past regrets and failures to create melancholy aural set pieces that are sincere, passionate and some times dark, but never completely devoid of redemption. There is a tangible sense of urgency in the music that flows throughout the songs. Many of the works carry the sobering notion that life may never be as good as it once was, but there is still reason to carry on. Eli August comes to you with no preconceived notions or carrying any musical airs. The music is here to say one thing. Though the outlook may seem bleak and the path dark, we are in this together. “There is nothing quite so beautiful as a fire burning in the darkness.”
VOX POP IS CURRENTLY CLOSED -- ALL SHOWS CANCELLED
Friday, September 3, 2010, 12:00 am
Chris Ward's Jazz Jam
Friday, September 3, 2010, 5:00 pm
Chris Ward brings his top notch house band to host a jazz session where all jazz musicians are invited to sit in for three hours of great improv. If you are a musician or a fan, this is an event not to be missed.
Ditmas Park Rides
Friday, September 3, 2010, 7:00 pm
Join this weekly evening bike ride through Ditmas Park. Participants meet in front of Vox Pop Cafe at 7 pm. The purpose of the Ditmas Rides is to have fun and to celebrate and spread a way of getting around we already enjoy. There is no planned route and we, the participants, will decide where we would like to go shortly before the ride starts. Ditmas Park has a lot of small streets so hopefully we can have a joyful and stress free ride. Children are not only welcomed but encouraged.
The Go Round
Friday, September 3, 2010, 8:00 pm
The Go Round is the coming together of two Brooklyn songwriters, Brandon Whightsel and Richard Duke. The son of an etymologist and an alpine nurse, Brandon was born at the base camp of the third highest mountain in the Himalayas, Kangchenjunga ("Five Treasures of the Great Snow"). From these great heights he spent his youth descending into the intrepid and colorful world of the nomad. He spent his early teens as an olive farmer in northwestern Italy, where he whiled his free time away learning Italian folk songs on a Febricatore guitar. Richard was born in Tokyo, to a pair of English teachers teaching their way around the world. He ran away with his parents permission at 15, and spent his young adulthood busking through the former soviet block after picking up an abandoned guitar in the foyer of the Flying Pig in Amsterdam. The two met in 2006 on an on ramp outside of Kimball, Nebraska. Brandon was working his way out to Denver for a show that weekend, and Richard, having just finished hiking from Georgia to Maine, was hitching out to Tahoe see if he could find work in the Sierras. Guitars in hand, they go to talking about the odds of both being dropped off at the same time on a lonely butte in the howling wind, decided to stick together, and the rest is history.
VOX POP IS CURRENTLY CLOSED -- ALL SHOWS CANCELLED
Saturday, September 4, 2010, 12:00 am
Stitch and Bitch
Saturday, September 4, 2010, 3:00 pm
Join us for a great weekly session of sharing your craft works -- crochet, knitting, needlepoint, weaving -- whatever you like to do. It's always more fun when you do it together. It is a great opportunity to learn a little, teach a little and chat a lot. Whether you are just learning (or want to) or you are an expert, this is a great event.
Deborah Chaskin Art Opening
Saturday, September 4, 2010, 7:00 pm
There comes a time in everyone’s life that they question who they are. A clue to discovering how to spend one’s time is to see what brings peace amongst adversity. Deborah Chaskin found for her what brings peace is art. She uses art to connect with her inner self. Her favorite toy as a child was the “etch a sketch. The art she creates range from watercolor, pencil, and pastel pictures of flowers, people, and animals to digital multimedia landscapes. When she creates the multimedia landscapes she starts by taking pictures of her own fine art. She then looks for landscapes within the fine art. When she finds a promise of a landscape she paints in the details and cuts out mini landscapes to make collages. These mini landscapes become the “layers” in photo shop which she uses to create more complex landscapes. The process is a journey within. Her work can be found on her website located at http://www.feelingpurple.com Photos, cards, collages, original art and digital prints are for sale upon request. Deborah Chaskin is also a poet and known for her quote “Just like the butterfly I too will awaken in my own time.”
Sputnik Sweetheart???
Saturday, September 4, 2010, 9:00 pm
Jake G and the Soul Company
Saturday, September 4, 2010, 10:00 pm
We are proud to announce that Jake G and the Soul Company will appear at Vox Pop on the first Saturday of the month. Be sure to come check out this fun and powerful group as they keep you dancing the night away! Jake G-Vocals, Heather Merlis-Vocals, Christopher Sheard-Guitar, Silvester Onejeaka-Tenor Sax, Clynt Yerkes-Trumpet, Brad Appel-Bass, Joshua Sol-Keys, Victor Rendon-Drums
VOX POP IS CURRENTLY CLOSED -- ALL SHOWS CANCELLED
Sunday, September 5, 2010, 12:00 am
Flatbush Creative Collective
Sunday, September 5, 2010, 4:00 pm
Join us for this open meeting held on the first Sunday of the month. Flatbush Creative Collective is a community of visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, filmmakers and others who are committed to creative endeavors to network, share, talk shop, get ideas. See their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107128678840
Spoken Word hosted by Mike Fiorito
Sunday, September 5, 2010, 5:00 pm
Mike Fiorito & Addie Hopes host a 2hr open mike of readings at Vox Pop. Read something you've written or something you love. 3-5 minutes max for each reader (depending upon sign up).
Open Mic! Every Sunday at Vox Pop!
Sunday, September 5, 2010, 7:00 pm
Open Mic! • Every Sunday at 7:00 PM Voice of the People Open Mic! Songs, stories, poems and politics. Everyone welcome. Hosted by Punxsutawney Jesus www.myspace.com/voxpopopenmic www.myspace.com/punxsutawneyjesus
Labor Day
Monday, September 6, 2010, 12:00 am
VOX POP IS CURRENTLY CLOSED -- ALL SHOWS CANCELLED
Monday, September 6, 2010, 12:00 am
Miss Katie Children's Sing-A-Long
Monday, September 6, 2010, 4:00 pm
Every Monday at 4pm at Vox Pop Café, “Miss Katie” will have you and your children grooving and dancing at her interactive sing alongs. Katie sings and plays guitar, offering a mixture of new and old songs, and she gladly takes requests! Katie has been making music all her life and has been teaching preschool music in NYC for the last three years. Her sing alongs are a blast for preschoolers, but children of all ages will likely want to join in the fun... Come check it out!! (Suggested donation: $5)
Vox Pop Jazz Presents: The Justin Wert Trio
Monday, September 6, 2010, 8:00 pm
Vox Pop is proud to host some of the best up and coming jazz musicians from the neighborhood. Every Monday at 8:00 features a different group with their own distinctive sound, influences, and approach to changing the face of the music in the next generation. The emphasis of Monday nights is the cutting edge, original conception, and original compositions, so be prepared to experience something different every time and to hear some fresh new tunes right off the pen. Stick around after to catch the Justin Wert Trio Jazz Jam session featuring Daniel Foose on bass, Kim Garey on drums, and Justin Wert on guitar. You can count on them hosting a very enjoyable event (both as a player and a listener) every Monday from 10:00 to Midnight.
Justin Wert Trio Jam Session
Monday, September 6, 2010, 10:00 pm
Guitarist Justin Wert leads off every Monday night with one or two original compositions before opening up this intimate jazz jam. The energetic and synergistic trio features Daniel Foose on bass and Kim Garey on drums.
VOX POP IS CURRENTLY CLOSED -- ALL SHOWS CANCELLED
Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 12:00 am
Flying Teapot Story Hour
Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 9:30 am
Come join Joanne Riel as she engages and delights you and your children with music, instruments, free play and more. Joanne's classes and her original CD "The Flying Teapot" are a favorite in the community. Every Tuesday at 11:00. (Suggested donation; $5)
Vox Pop Blues Night
Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 8:00 pm
Vox Pop features Blues every Tuesday evening. We have had the fortune to present some of the finest blues musicians an a regular basis. Be sure to check us out every Tues. There are always wonderful surprises!!
VOX POP IS CURRENTLY CLOSED -- ALL SHOWS CANCELLED
Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 12:00 am
Rolie Polie Guacamole
Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 11:00 am
Come rock before naptime with Frank and Andrew from Rolie Polie Guacamole every Wednesday at 11am, as they play songs from their two albums "Rolie Polie Guacamole" and "Time For Hummus", as well as conventional kids songs and popular books "Brown Bear", "Jam Berry" ect. Their style mixes music with movement, which makes their sing along a unique interactive show, which they describe as musement. www.roliepolieguacamole.com (Suggested donation; $5)
Luminous Dark Alleys Book/CD Release - Tah Phrum Duh Bush
Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 8:00 pm
Tah Phrum Duh Bush is a New York City based Emcee, DJ, Writer, and Emergency R.N. who immerses himself in the urban arts and indulges in world perspectives. His two albums The Untitled EP and Sunshine or Pure Shade have earned countless praises from an international audience. In his music and writing, Tah utilizes dark comedy to explore fresh ways of expressing the dichotomies of life. Often delving into the mysteries of the human thought process. Luminous Dark Alleys: The Insomniac Works is a conglomeration of literary, musical and visual artistry that weaves an experience with emotion, logic and depth that will alter thinking processes for years to come. It is a trudge through the cavernous mind of an insomniac. Tah Phrum Duh Bush takes the reader/listener on a piggyback ride through a vast and vivid mindscape of self-discovery and blatant, vulnerable honesty. Millions are afflicted by insomnia worldwide. The sleepless now have something they can point to and say, “I know exactly where he is coming from”. Those who do sleep will never view sleep the same way. They will walk away from these works with a newfound appreciation for their blessings of slumber as their newborn curiosity for introspective thought leads them to the potential of becoming an insomniac.
VOX POP IS CURRENTLY CLOSED -- ALL SHOWS CANCELLED
Thursday, September 9, 2010, 12:00 am
Rolie Polie Guacamole
Thursday, September 9, 2010, 4:00 pm
Come rock after school’s out with Frank and Andrew from Rolie Polie Guacamole every second and fourth Thursday at 4pm, as they play songs from their two albums "Rolie Polie Guacamole" and "Time For Hummus", as well as conventional kids songs and popular books "Brown Bear", "Jam Berry" ect. Their style mixes music with movement, which makes their sing along a unique interactive show, which they describe as musement. www.roliepolieguacamole.com (Suggested donation; $5)