Upcoming Events

at ETG Book Cafe

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Staten Island OutLoud presents “Smilla’s Sense of Snow”
Jan
31

Staten Island OutLoud presents “Smilla’s Sense of Snow”

Join us as we read excerpt's from Peter Hoeg's novel, and then discuss some of the issues covered therein.

From Wikipedia:

"Smilla's Sense of Snow, (published in the UK as Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow) is a 1992 novel by Danish author Peter Høeg tracing the investigation into the suspicious death of a Greenlandic boy in Denmark. The novel is ostensibly a work of detection and a thriller, although beneath the surface of the novel, Høeg is concerned with rather deeper cultural issues, particularly Denmark's problematic post-colonial history, and also the nature of relationships that exist between individuals and the societies in which they are obliged to operate."


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Pluto and the Forms
Jan
31

Pluto and the Forms

ETG discovered Pluto & The Forms when they played at an Open Mic. The audience loved what they heard. They are comprised of Anthony, the Inquisitor, Michael, the Lumberman and Tate, the Sailor —a musical conglomerate of family and friends. With brief beginnings on Staten Island at the tale end of the 2010s, covid-19 moved the band's location into the air itself — making their first album entirely online. After years of patience, the band finally began playing live in late 2023, and their body of work has grown twofold ever since.

A flavor of their music can be found in their Snug Harbor Show

$5.00 suggested donation.


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Liberation Open Mic
Feb
6

Liberation Open Mic

Liberation Open Mic invites you to sense liberation — 

  • To express yourself richly 

  • To be heard by fellow humans 

  • Sound off about the state of the world,  

  • Imagine a better one.  

Bring a poem, a song, your guitar or ukelele, an artwork or anything at all that you wish to share with us, your local community. 

$5 suggested donation. No one turned away.


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Book release event: “Dress Whites” by John Phillips
Feb
7

Book release event: “Dress Whites” by John Phillips

Local author John Phillips shares his debut short-story collection with us.  

John Phillips has led many lives, among them as sportswriter for Reuters, covering events around the world.

This collection focuses on the Vietnam war era.

"A powerful collection of short stories from a tumultuous time in America. These are stories of people left behind in the years during and after the Vietnam War. Whether they served or remained at home, they are haunted years later by the far-off war that impacted so many."


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Poetic Drip Open Mic
Feb
14

Poetic Drip Open Mic

Open mic hosted by the sensational Cyn, featuring two Staten Island performers: poet Gabriella Stella and musician D3nsity.

Our open mics always include some surprises!  Come on down to sign up, or to listen and support the performers!

Suggested donation $5.00.


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Mending Cafe
Feb
21

Mending Cafe

Join us for a mending gathering! ~ Bring a favorite garment.  Learn how to replace a button, patch a hole, fix a hem, ripped seam or torn fabric. Those beloved mittens knit by your grandma can be mended! A zipper can be replaced! Get help from a pro. Drink tea or coffee, chat and sew. Facilitator Henri Ewaskio is a professional costume maker, puppet builder, teacher and mentor. (Ella tambien habla espanol!) 

All are welcome! Basic supplies are provided.


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Night Music
Feb
21

Night Music

Four friends shine their lights on a winter’s night: Featuring Phoebe Blue, Father Crime, Andy Kass and Thomas Patrick Maguire.

Suggested donation $5.00 to $7.00


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Annual Book Drive in Celebration of Black History Month
Feb
22

Annual Book Drive in Celebration of Black History Month

ETG partners with the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. by hosting their 7th annual book drive! 

Bring in children's books in good condition from home, and/or you may purchase our second-hand books and donate them to the book drive. 

Fiction or non-fiction related to African-American history (or African history) are most appreciated, or fiction focused on people of color. Books written in Spanish and Arabic are also appreciated.

For those unfamiliar with this group, Delta Sigma Theta is a sisterhood of college-educated women committed to serving the needs  of their communities through public service programs and events that educate, empower and uplift.  We are so proud to partner with them again this year!

For more information please visit their website at dstsialumnae.org.


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Participatory Drum Circle
Feb
27

Participatory Drum Circle

The Return of the Drum Circle with Jo Bongo.

We gather to listen to each other, and to build healing rhythms together.  

Bring your own drum or shaker if you can — we have some to share.


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SIAMS Salute to Broadway
Mar
14

SIAMS Salute to Broadway

The many talented musicians of SIAMS (Staten Island Acoustic Music Society) return to our stage to pay tribute to compositions from Broadway shows: West Side Story, Hair, My Fair Lady, and more!  Very exciting!!

Suggested donation $5.00 to $7.00


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Banisher — A Different Type of Game Experience!
Jan
30

Banisher — A Different Type of Game Experience!

Banisher, a creation of Hypothesis, is a psycho-spiritual table-top board game for liberating humanity from sinister forces. One of the game designers, Joe Quinn, will be guiding us through the experience. Joe describes himself as an underground video and performance artist, a mathematician, a curriculum designer and a teacher. 

Are you up for a challenge? Come learn how to play.


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Staten Island History Hub Welcomes Janet Medoro
Jan
24

Staten Island History Hub Welcomes Janet Medoro

Staten Island History Hub at ETG Book Cafe is pleased to welcome Janet Medoro as our special guest. 

Janet Medoro,  a fourth generation-born native of Staten Island, has written a book about Staten island history, entitled Our Staten Island. We look forward to learning more about the history of the island, and to hearing more about her journey as an author.  Copies of the book will be for sale.


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Fiber Art Meetup
Jan
24

Fiber Art Meetup

We connect with our projects. Some folks knit, others crochet. Some craft assorted creations.

We all enjoy sharing stories, chatting and listening! We would love you to join us with yours!!

Suggested Donation $5


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Liberation Open Mic
Jan
9

Liberation Open Mic

Liberation Open Mic invites you to sense liberation — 

  • To express yourself richly 

  • To be heard by fellow humans 

  • Sound off about the state of the world,  

  • Imagine a better one.  

Bring a poem, a song, your guitar or ukelele, an artwork or anything at all that you wish to share with us, your local community. 

$5 suggested donation. No one turned away.


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Kwanza Celebration Book Event for Children
Dec
31

Kwanza Celebration Book Event for Children

Reintroducing Kwanzaa Lady for Kwanzaa Celebration at ETG!

Bring your children and hear Kwanzaa lady share about the Kwanzaa days of celebration.

She has been sharing at the Book Cafe over the years and now is your chance to bring your family. 

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West, East, as well as Southeast Africa.

Join us and uncover the secrets of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa!!


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Liberation Open Mic
Dec
5

Liberation Open Mic

Liberation Open Mic invites you to sense liberation — 

  • To express yourself richly 

  • To be heard by fellow humans 

  • Sound off about the state of the world,  

  • Imagine a better one.  

Bring a poem, a song, your guitar or ukelele, an artwork or anything at all that you wish to share with us, your local community. 

$5 suggested donation. No one turned away.


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Frank Troy and Friends
Nov
21

Frank Troy and Friends

Join old ETG friend and local singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Frank Troy, oft accompanied by family. 

Frank performs original work as well as some favorite covers. 

Cover charge: $5


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Banisher — A Different Type of Game Experience!
Nov
21

Banisher — A Different Type of Game Experience!

Banisher, a creation of Hypothesis, is a psycho-spiritual table-top board game for liberating humanity from sinister forces. One of the game designers, Joe Quinn, will be guiding us through the experience. Joe describes himself as an underground video and performance artist, a mathematician, a curriculum designer and a teacher. 

Are you up for a challenge? Come learn how to play.


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Pop Up Dance and Games Party!
Nov
15

Pop Up Dance and Games Party!

Join us for simple joy this Saturday night.

Bring your feet and hands and a willingness to join in

  • dancing or listening to music 

  • conversation with new friends and olde

  • participating in or observing games

Warm and cool drinks together with cakes and snacks will be available.

$5 suggested donation. No one turned away.


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Fiber Art Meetup
Nov
15

Fiber Art Meetup

We connect with our projects. Some folks knit, others crochet. Some craft assorted creations.

We all enjoy sharing stories, chatting and listening! We would love you to join us with yours!!

Suggested Donation $5


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The Dark Side of the Rainbow — Film and Dialogue
Nov
12

The Dark Side of the Rainbow — Film and Dialogue

What happens when you watch The Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon?

Be prepared for unbelievable synchronicity.

Coincidence?

Some believe otherwise.

Come and share in the film, food and dialogue.

Presented by Subterranean Cinema Club and Channel Winds.

Cover charge: $5


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The Common Thread
Nov
5

The Common Thread

We're all humans

We all have stories to share

Let's bridge cultures with the simple act of listening to one another's stories

Join us 5-6 to connect and 6-7 for stories

A $5 Contribution will be appreciated. As always — no one is turned away!


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Read-in Cafe
Nov
1

Read-in Cafe

Do you love to read but never have enough time? Join us at ETG’s Read-in Cafe. Where we read, share book ideas, and meet kindred spirits! Relax with your own book or one you find in our Book Cafe while enjoying refreshments.

Enjoy the vibes. Bring yourself or friends and have some fun!!


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Vaunt Showcase
Oct
25

Vaunt Showcase

For those of you who filled the Book Cafe in August for the first Vaunt Showcase of music, poetry and storytelling, you will be thrilled to know that Vaunt returns in October. 

For those who missed it, mark the date of the 2nd VAUNT!

Watch this space for the revelation of performer names!

Looking forward to seeing you.

As with our last event, there will be a limited 'pick out of the hat' Open Mic at the evening's end.


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A Special Saturday afternoon — A Reading of 5 Short Stories
Oct
18

A Special Saturday afternoon — A Reading of 5 Short Stories

Relax, Sit back and just Listen. 5 authors read their Short Stories.

Rocio Uchofen is a dear friend of the ETG Book Cafe. She brings her poet and writer friends from local New York spaces and those from far away lands to share their works. On this special Fall Saturday afternoon, 5 authors will read their own short stories.

Sit back, relax and be read to while sipping tea, coffee or a cold drink!


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Fiber Art Meetup
Oct
18

Fiber Art Meetup

We connect with our projects. Some folks knit, others crochet. Some craft assorted creations.

We all enjoy sharing stories, chatting and listening! We would love you to join us with yours!!

Suggested Donation $5


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FINAL NIGHT! ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!
Oct
11

FINAL NIGHT! ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!

WE invite YOU to express yourself on our Living Stage!

Tonight’s MC will be Jonathan Bricklin!

  • Bring a song, poem, story, dance, artwork pantomime, short play, dream or favorite ETG Book Cafe memory.

  • Express your joy, gratitude, observation, concerns, wishes about your neighborhood or our larger world

  • Choose what you most urgently want to express

  • Keep it to about four minutes.

You can sign up ahead of time by dropping by the Book Cafe during open hours during the whole month of September and the first week of October.  Go to ETG BookCafe Celebration of 20 years for more details.


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ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!
Oct
10

ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!

WE invite YOU to express yourself on our Living Stage!

Tonight’s MC will be Phoebe Blue!

  • Bring a song, poem, story, dance, artwork pantomime, short play, dream or favorite ETG Book Cafe memory.

  • Express your joy, gratitude, observation, concerns, wishes about your neighborhood or our larger world

  • Choose what you most urgently want to express

  • Keep it to about four minutes.

You can sign up ahead of time by dropping by the Book Cafe during open hours during the whole month of September and the first week of October.  Go to ETG BookCafe Celebration of 20 years for more details.


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ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!
Oct
9

ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!

WE invite YOU to express yourself on our Living Stage!

Open Mic 6pm to 8pm.

Tonight’s MC will be Jahtiek Long!

John Lennon Birthday Sing-Along 8pm to 10pm, led by Joan and Gary Moore!

Bring a song, poem, story, dance, artwork pantomime, short play, dream or favorite ETG Book Cafe memory.

  • Express your joy, gratitude, observation, concerns, wishes about your neighborhood or our larger world

  • Choose what you most urgently want to express

  • Keep it to about four minutes.

You can sign up ahead of time by dropping by the Book Cafe during open hours during the whole month of September and the first week of October.  Go to ETG BookCafe Celebration of 20 years for more details.


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ETG Book Cafe Memories Mail Art Workshop 
Oct
9

ETG Book Cafe Memories Mail Art Workshop 

What is your favorite memory (or memories) of ETG Book Cafe from the last 20 years? Please come and join us for a DAY DE DADA mail art* workshop, led by Mary Campbell. You create a postcard that will be sent to another participant,  and you will receive a postcard from someone else!

Supplies will be available, just bring yourself and your memories.

{*Note:  Mail Art is art created specifically to be sent through the mail.}


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ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!
Oct
8

ETG Book Cafe 20th Anniversary Festivities!

WE invite YOU to express yourself on our Living Stage!

4 Nights! Wednesday October 8 to Saturday October 11
(see other evenings below)

This evening’s MC will be Maya da Poet!

Bring a song, poem, story, dance, artwork, pantomime, short play, dream or favorite ETG Book Cafe memory.

  • Express your joy, gratitude, observation, concerns, wishes about your neighborhood or our larger world

  • Choose what you most urgently want to express

  • Keep it to about four minutes.

You can sign up ahead of time by dropping by the Book Cafe during open hours during the whole month of September and the first week of October.  Go to ETG BookCafe Celebration of 20 years for more details.


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