Jessica on the roof at Bushwick Starr. See more pics from this event>>

Jessica and I were on hand (and behind the bar) at one of my favorite venues, Bushwick Starr, for the Hope Freedom Destiny & Love variety show on Saturday. Natalie Agee, the founder of Ruby Streak trapeze studio, had assembled a bevy of talented circus artists, dancers and performance artists as well as her band na + an (she’s multi-talented to say the least). We had seen a previous showcase of her students in January and were so happy to see trapeze queen Jean Loscalzo back on the bill. There was definitely something for everyone — from hula hooping to baton tossing to video art.

Bushwick Starr was started in 2001 by as a live-in rehearsal/performance space by Skidmore grads Sue Kessler and Noel Allain and their theater company Flovea Floods. Since that time, they have converted the factory space into a fully functioning black box theater. Sue, Noel and (in-house technical director) Jay Maury run the space like clockwork and provide such a welcoming atmosphere to performers and audience goers. The space has been home to all kinds of performances from dance to theater to music, as well as some pretty legendary parties. Additional renovations are in the planning stages (including another bathroom!). The large rooftop terrace is a Bushwick dream — gorgeous views of the city, a lovely bar, even a screen door — the whole nine yards. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows including The Bushwhack Series, showcasing emerging local artists, next month.