The 92nd Street Y is the quintessential uptown institution, but after 130 years it’s venturing west and south to open a Tribeca branch on October 18. The downtown offerings are mainly for people older than your kids and younger than you: “It’s an arts-and-entertainment venue geared primarily towards the twentysomething set at night,” explains Beverly Greenfield, 92YTribeca spokesperson. By day, there will be edgier-than-uptown classes and workshops (e.g., a series of “taboo” talks). No one can ignore the needs of a neighborhood teeming with munchkins, so the new Y hosts a music-heavy children’s series each Sunday morning. It is called “B.Y.O.K.” (K stands for kids, get it?). Audra Rox, the spunky Brooklyn rocker, plays the inaugural show. Toxic Muffin, her son’s tween band, opens for her. “They’re fantastic and adorable,” says kids programmer Laurie Cearley of the Office Performing Arts + Film. “There’s a resurgence of these tween bands mostly coming out of Brooklyn.” They may be news to your family, but it’s a proper phenomenon, explains Cearley: “They play as much as an 11-year-old can with their school schedule. They have girl groupies. I’m a bit of a groupie.” Opening for mom isn’t as embarrassing as it sounds. “Audra Rox is the coolest tattooed mom ever,” Cearley adds. “She’s down- to-earth, with two great kids, but she’s a rock star.” Expect eclectic performers and up-and-coming talent at future shows, including Robbert Bobbert & the Bubble Machine, the Jimmies, Astrograss, and a Kidrockers festival. Dedicated stroller parking, a café serving foodie-friendly “eco-healthy” snacks, and ample space for the tots to dance ice the cake. A welcome addition to the scene.
10/19, 11 a.m. 200 Hudson St., nr. Canal St. (212-601-1000 or 92ytribeca.org); $15.