5 Things: 'Gasland' Screening, African Music and Storytelling, Soda Bar Author Reading, More

1. You need to get literary. Head to  for its bi-monthly author reading: . This month features readings and discussion with Melissa Broder, Stever Himmer, Josef Horáček, and Joseph Riipi. 7:00pm–9:00pm. 629 Vanderbilt Ave. at St. Marks. Free.

2. You need to learn about fracking. Learn about this increasingly popular natural gas drilling technique and the controversy surrounding its safety at a showing of the documentary at the event . The screening will be accompanied by participatory live music.  4:00pm–10:00pm , 603 Vanderbilt Ave. at Bergen. $5 suggested donation.

3. You need music, free music. Head to the for their Sunday concert series . This week features Clive Greensmith and Jean Schneider performing works by Claude Debussy, Gabriel Faure, Camille Saint-Saëns, Paul Tortelier and Francis Poulenc. 4:00pm. Free.

4. You need to get the kids out of the house. There are a ton of kids events happening today (see the ). One of our favorites is , where kids can learn about African instruments such as the djembe, mbira, bongo, and shekere at a music and storytelling event. After the performance, children are invited to make crafts inspired by the story. Prospect Park, The Audubon Center at the Boathouse (just inside the Lincoln Road/Ocean Ave. entrance to Prospect Park), 3-9 years, Free.

5. You need to know if your train is running. All weekend there is no 4 train south of Brooklyn Bridge. Instead take the 3 train or the special J shuttle see the MTA site for details. Other lines are running normally through Prospect Heights. As for parking, yes you need to move your car. There's no suspension of alternate side until Memorial Day, according to the NYC DOT.