Concert Review: BRIC! Celebrate Brooklyn: Democracy Reigns!
You cannot deny that BRIC! Celebrate Brooklyn is for both artists and people that feel different. When you hear the word “different,” it is not just about what “societal caste” you fit in as much as what social cast do you place upon yourself to “move around.” For this episode of the 40 year old series, it was heavily about democracy, and the idea that freedom is so simple that it is integral to humanity’s journey. Now, I know I am not saying anything innovative, but when you look at it, your capacity to grow as a person and discover your endlessness is built upon how much your society/ government let’s you do so, at least, peacefully.
Jonathan Coulton started the night with a sweet set where he dropped a bunch of Brooklynite references. Living a few blocks from Prospect Park Bandshell, it was clear that he was “schmoozing” the crowd with a; “I am one of you act!” Of course, everyone ate it up, especially his IKEA adage. Then, Superchunk came on to rile up the crowd with their newest, post-punk record What A Time To Be Alive. It was clear they were NOT supportive of Trump, and they kept on mentioning how people need to be more outraged by what they felt was a tsunami of inhumanity. They were a standout act because it is always welcomed to hear someone support those suffering from our current, political climate ,but also see a bunch of parents try to mosh with their kids. (This was a first for me!) Lastly, there was Aimee Mann.
With her guitar led melodies, Aimee Mann assured the night was a yo-yo of emotions and soundscapes. Jonathan felt like a quick-stepping, folk troubadour, Superchunk were highly energetic rocker, and Mann is your starry songstress. While she brought out Jonathan to do a few duets, most notably, she brought a wrapping peace to the night that sparked my view of this particular concert. From the mentions of our need to rise for democracy to simply watching parents drink a beer and reminisce with their kids about their childhood, both ideas seemed synchronized. Democracy is not just about your choice to be who you are as much as your freedom/ human right to be happy. For More Information on ALL THE FREE BRIC CELEBRATE BROOKLYN SHOWS CLICK HERE.
