The Beat of Brooklyn

On Sunday, November 6th the BEAT team traveled through Brooklyn capturing the borough’s “sound, song or beat”. Our 5 locations: Prospect Park, Atlantic Center, Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Promenade & Brooklyn Flea. Using a podium, megaphone and a big yellow arrow, we wanted to see (and hear) what wild array of different sounds, songs, rhythms, beats, raps, jokes, screams and laughs we could collect – we were not disappointed. After you watch the video, be sure to check out these amazing still photos taken by the magnificent Meghan Hickey at Quiet Iris Photography.

The view from the Brooklyn Promenade – what a gorgeous day! The yellow arrow was the inspiration of the magnificent Drea Bernardi.

When you approached the podium, you were greeted with this simple request: “Give Us Your Sound, Song or Beat”. The megaphone was attached via a cord (thanks to Joe at Tarzian Hardware for the rigging!) so no one would run off with it. This was our first stop: Prospect Park West (the view is down 9th street)

The Team:

Concept/Design: Stephen Shelley & Theresa Sgobba
Filmmaker: Terrence Elenteny
Photography: Meghan Hickey (Flickr Set)
On-Site: Finn Ferris, Eugenio Alejandro Duarte, Emily Maurer & Anthony Paris

She tried…but, alas, our canine friend did not vocally participate though he did sniff up our megaphone. Just after her, the rather extraordinary “howling woman” came by and dazzled us with her imitation (that can be seen, and heard, in the video). This was at Prospect Park West/9th Street.

Brooklyn is like a bunch of small towns, just right next to each other. So, I was not surprised when we saw a number of our friends out and about that day. Here, Yariv Chen, jumps on the megaphone sharing his love for all things Brooklyn.

This crew found us just in front of the Botanical Gardens along Eastern Parkway and most of them took a turn at the megaphone.

These kids totally blew us away. When they approached us, they were in song already – rapping together as they walked. A lot of people are hesitant about grabbing the megaphone, but not these guys. They jumped at it. Their fantastic contribution is in the video.

Lumberob walked up with his wife and child and carefully studied the megaphone and sign. He calmly picked it up and performed an original work right there on the sidewalk (seen in the video)! Ah the wonders of Brooklyn.

Our event also coincided by a small-ish affair known as The New York City Marathon. We had originally intended to be at the Target Plaza, but there was no action there. So, we walked the podium down to where 4th avenue meets Flatbush (adjacent to the entrance to the Atlantic Ave Train Station) and put ourselves right up against the marathon. We had a lot of people approach the podium to cheer the runners, which was great. The energy around the city that day was amazing, and we were pleased to be a small part of it.

“Ruuuuuunnnnn!!!”

From the Atlantic Center we went to the Brooklyn Promenade, where we had all sorts of fun (and pizza!). This lady made a plea to John Turturro in the video. Well, we didn’t get her number so, John – if you’re reading this – we have no way of putting you in touch with her. But, if you’d like to express your love for Brooklyn emerging artists and the BEAT Festival – we’d love to hear from you, so send us a note here! (PLEASE)

This was taken on my iphone. These are the “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” girls (seen in the video). Want to compare their version of the “Cooper” theme song with the original? By my guest.

Something about a lone podium, a large yellow arrow and a megaphone begs the question: “What is it?” Thank you to those who answered.

Team Pic:

L to R: Finn, Eugenio, Terrence and Meghan (not pictured: Stephen, Theresa, Emily & Anthony)

Inspired by Improv Everywhere’s “Say Something Nice” Campaign linked right here.