5 Things You Need to Know Today: DanceAfrica 2011, Jazz Vocals, More

1. You need a night out. We know we mentioned it yesterday, but it's big enough to note again: Head to BAM for   a weekend-long festival of dance, art, film and more. See the full schedule here.

2. You need music. Head to  to hear Prospect Heights Patch's very own calendar editor and singer extraordinaire Stephanie Carlin perform her powerful mix of folk and jazz vocals. 8:00pm. 807 Classon Ave. at St. Johns. No cover.

3. You need an afternoon out. Head to Fort Greene where more than 200 vendors from around the world will sell food, crafts, and fashion from African, Caribbean and African-American cultures at the or the . There will be face painting and crafts at the Children's Village. Ashland Pl (between Hanson Pl and Fulton St), 12-8 p.m., Free.

4. You need to get the kids out of the house. Head to the   for  , New Zealand's indigenous dance company. With dance, music, costumes, and choreography, they bring to life the culture, heritage and language of the Maori. 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Free with admission ($7.50). Or, see our .

5. You need to know if your train is running and if you have to move your car. There aren't any planned service changes affecting Prospect Heights this weekend, according to the MTA. As for parking, alternate side is suspended Monday for Memorial Day, according to the NYC DOT.