Come to the 2009 BAM Rhythm & Blues Festival in Downtown Brooklyn, Jun. 4 - Aug. 6

The Brooklyn Academy of Music, one of the best cultural venues in Brooklyn, is hosting its annual Rhythm & Blues Festival every Thursday from June 4 to August 6. The performances will begin at 12 noon. The festival, which is free and open to the public, will take place at MetroTech, the educational and industrial complex in downtown Brooklyn, that is home to, among other tenants, NYU-Polytechnic, JP Morgan Chase, National Grid, the Securities Industry and Automation Corporation, and administrative offices for the New York City Fire department and Medgar Evers College. There is an area at MetroTech called The Commons, consisting of open space, sculpture, walkways, foliage, and benches, where the festival will take place.

Performers will include:

• R&B group Lakeside, of "Fantastic Voyage" fame, performing on June 4

• New Orleans R&B and soul pioneer Allen Toussaint, June 11

• Recording artist and songstress Simone, daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, June 18

• The world-renowned Spanish Harlem Orchestra, June 25

• Vocalist Toshi Reagon of Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely, July 2

• New Orleans own Rebirth Brass Band, July 9

• Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Anthony David, July 16

• Philadelphia R&B duo Kindred the Family Soul, July 23

• The legendary South African a capella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, July 30

• Award-winning Malian singer and guitarist Rokia Traore, August 6

There are multiple subway lines and stops within a few blocks of The Commons. The closest are the M, N or the R to Lawrence Street-MetroTech, or the A, C, F to Jay Street/Borough Hall. Alternatively, you can take the 2,3,4 or 5 train to Borough Hall, or the 2 or 3 to Hoyt Street, as well as either the B, M, Q or R train to Dekalb Avenue. Complete directions, including driving directions can be found here.

There are a number of cafes, restaurants and fast food venues within walking distance of The Commons. Junior's Restaurant, probably the most well-known, is one of the best and is located at 386 Flatbush Avenue. I'd also recommend Morton's Steakhouse at 339 Adams Street, although if you're looking for something inexpensive, you should try Harry O's, which has moderately priced sandwiches, burgers, and pastas, or, a bit further away, Taino Soleil at 121 Livingston Street, which has excellent Spanish cuisine (try the locrio).

For more information about the festival, you can visit the Brooklyn Academy of Music's website, or call 718-636-4100.