Sunday on the Shores of the Big G: Elevated Discourse and the World Premiere of “The Gowanus Canal Song”!

With everything happening Sunday from the Five Boro Bike Tour to the Green-Wood Cemetery tour, GL believes Proteus Gowanus’ event examining the “Changing Currents Along the Gowanus Canal” is first among equals. The gallery and reading room, which is housed in a 1900 box factory, is hosting the event, dubbed Alfredy Tredway White Day.

The program will take place at the super cool Proteus Gowanus space at 543 Union Street (the entrance is on Nevins) and starts at 3:30 PM. (It will be held in the courtyard if the weather holds, Proteus Director Sasha Chavchavadze promises.) The roster includes historic preservationist Lisa Ackerman, biologist Amy Lesen, author Phillip Lopate, poet Vijay Seshadri, low income housing expert Benjamin Warnke, and settlement house fundraiser and enthusiast of 19^th Century housing reformer Alfred Tredway White, Sally Yarmolinsky.

The event will be capped off by the world premiere of “The Gowanus Canal Song” performed by composer, Ben Yarmolinsky.

Proteus Gowanus also promises a cash oyster and beer bar (“a nod to the succulent Gowanus oyster, Brooklyn’s first export, enjoyed by Dutch Settlers in the 17th century”), an interdisciplinary exhibit and sale of Gowanus related art, artifacts and books.

A $10 donation, which will go to Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, is requested. There have been many advance sign ups, so Ms. Chavchavadze advises making a reservation by emailing info@proteusgowanus.com or by calling (718) 243-1572.

(For those without fear of getting in a canoe on the Gowanus, Proteus is hosting an event on Sunday, May 14 that will include some time on the water courtesy of the Gowanus Dredgers. GL will post more about that opportunity next week.)