weekend adventures...

began with a trip to HERE to see Julia S-F's take on Iceman Cometh act I. a concert with each song representing a character in Act I and all the lyrics taken from O'Neill's original dialogue. Great idea, but what was executed was a twelve song concert, with mikes so loud, I could only make out the lyrics to 4. Music was solid, never boring, but attitude (and let me say I really respect Julia's talent) was a little too self congradulatory. Other performers made light of Iceman---the reason that they were doing this. There was no reverence---no sense that the piece that stimulated their performance had any value. So I was a little disappointed on that level. The performers were good, however, of course, the audience loved them. Wonder if the other three will be any more focused---I plan, at this point, to only see Act IV because that is the only one that I know someone in (my friend Merlin W). Left without talking to anyone, went to Formerly Crow's (after some debate) As usual staff very friendly, but no one really to talk to. Watched the Yankee Oriole game for a while, had a nice BLT, and headed home.Was tired from earlier sessions.
   Yesterday, participated in Bushwick Artists celebration, which, because of the rain, was held at Silent Barn in Bushwick, close to the Bushwick---East Williamsburg border. Sat at the BAN table, a little claustrophobic, my friend Michael took a picture of me to use for airbnb--I fussed a lot about how the picture looked, probably drove Michael insane doing so. Finally got a picture that I could "live" with. Some very passionate speeches about keeping Brooklyn livable and not too expensive and maintaining space for those who were born and raised there. Both Imani and Lucas from Mayday spoke eloquently. Good to make contact with Lucas again, hope to see more of him, he is very active at Mayday now, may go there once this week and once next, depending on how schedule turns out.
   Left a little early, not a lot of space at the Barn, walked the six blocks or so through Bushwick to Wycoff and entered Cobra Club. Greeted warmly by Bartender Andrew and Paul, a musician that I know from there. Very nice to me, very happy to be there. Had my coffee and rich donut, tired but headed to south fourth. Met my friend Harlo there, she is going through some changes, and I tried to be supportive---also spoke to writer friend JD---he is discouraged because his novel has been turned down. Good to be there---took off as the rain began, had to duck into Lucky Dog to stay out of rain. Thought that a beer might do it, but became hungry in a few minutes, and so had their meet and cheese plate, a nice mix of cheese and I guess salami. Lots of people taking shelter from the very heavy rain, no real conversations for me, people were either there alone or in couples, no mixing. Left though the rain had continued (let down a little) again too claustrophobic---still bartender was very nice to me. One more stop at the Bean on North 11th and Bedford and then I went home.
  Today is the Senior Dinner at Friends; I will be there, will report on that and other adventures soon.