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The new Staten Island Stereotype: Free community event celebrates music, art, education

Source http://www.silive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/11/free_music_and_art_festival_at.html

By Lauren Steussy | lsteussy@siadvance.com Follow on Twitter

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. β€” Artist and entrepreneur Dave Noodlez is too nice to hype his upcoming event to its full potential β€” he wouldn't want to step on the toes of the many other artists around here with whom he collaborates.

But he does claim that it'll be the "best free winter event" on Staten Island.

The "Inspired By Us: Musication" festival starts at 8 p.m. in 5050 Skatepark on Friday, Nov. 14. It offers an all-ages opportunity to listen β€”and be a part of β€” the music and art that the event rallies around.

The event is co-hosted by art education organization Projectivity and Noodlez's clothing company Stereotype Co., which has turned into a collection of artists who help out with "good vibes" campaigns, Noodlez said.

Though admission is free, art will be sold and donations collected to purchase musical instruments for Staten Island schools.

There's probably about two dozen different activities planned for the festival, which kicks off at about 8 p.m. at the skate park on 354 Front St. in Stapleton.

In addition to some local music and art performances, attendees can also visit a "mini-studio." The portable booth asks participants to be part of a "mini chorus" by recording the hook to a song that will be produced during the festival. They can also get dressed up by stylist Unicorn Empress for a vintage photo booth shoot.

"Musication" features a broad array of musical genres, rapper Mark Marvel to hip hop artist Paul Marz to punk band Tatterhood and others.

Artists will be designing and decorating vinyl records, which can be purchased for between $20 and $50. A 3D printer will also be set up, giving attendees the chance to order a miniature model of themselves.

The event is a collaboration between more than 70 artists and contributors, many of whom will be selling art and participating in the event.

Flagship Brewing Co. will supply free beer to anyone 21 and up (until about 8:30 p.m., after that it will be discounted). Plus, food from Staten Island Smoke will be for sale.

Noodlez, whose real last name is Nudelman, came onto the scene here in 2009 with a line of custom-made bookmarks, each with a personalized inscription of the phrase "Don't Stop Dreaming." Since he started making them, Noodlez has created 11,000 of the bookmarks and has traveled the country in popup shows selling the pieces.

"There's a lot of unity on this island, both when bad things happen and when there's a reason to celebrate," said Noodlez, a West Brighton resident. "So we wanted to create something to celebrate."

While the artists will be paid for their work, much of the proceeds will be donated to Staten Island Arts' Lark Fund, which supplies musical instruments to schools.

For more information and to stay updated on the event, watch the video clip below orvisit the event's Facebook page here.