Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
This was more of a "happening" (yes, I'm dating myself) than a concert per se. Open Stages is Brooklyn Conservatory of Music's way of bringing music to the people. This was a mini-street fair with musical performances on the stoop of a Brooklyn townhouse. There were hot dogs and hamburgers (free) with water/sodas/chips. There was a bouncy castle. There were soccer balls and skateboards. Oh, did I mention there were kids?
The MTA gave me convoluted directions, but I eventually found Rutland Road. Of course, I was early because I always build in time for getting lost. While eating my hot dog, I chit-chatted with a gal who flew in from San Diego to surprise her family because her grandchildren would be performing. Hi, Ellen!
Um, 'Meister, let's get to the concert? The afternoon started with a jazz trio—sax, electric guitar, drums—playing On the Sunny Side of the Street. After a brief equipment boo-boo, the trio played another jazzy number that I did not recognize, with a nice Latin flavor. After a third trio number, the drummer was replaced by a student drummer. I'm not good with ages, though he was probably about seven. He acquitted himself very well. A second guest drummer (nine?) replaced him and also did a great job. Then the drum teacher joined the second guest drummer for two drum duets.
Next on the program were two young cellists who are part of the Suzuki program at BCoM. I don't know a lot about the Suzuki method of string teaching, but it was interesting to see two different sized miniaturized cellos. Each cellist played two brief solos and then the two brothers played a duet. The cellists were my new friend Ellen's grandchildren.
Following that was a young lady playing the piano and singing It's a Better Place Since You Came Along. Indeed, with these programs for young music students it is a better place. And Ellen even pointed me to my beloved Q train for an easy ride home.
I got on the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music's mailing list after joining them for caroling in December 2024. There's a lot to explore out there.
ConcertMeister
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