Piano on the Mall

Few days ago, a piano and a guy set up in front of the band shell in a nearly empty Central Park Mall. It didn't take long. The little blond girl didn't move for most of "Maybe I'm Amazed."

Walked south on Madison out of the park, spotted a pretty bistro around 30th Street, walked through Madison Square Park and down Fifth to the arch. It was hot, I was in a park fountain mood. Love the spray.

Here's one of the best covers ever by the Faces:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLhoLkTyNkM

Lady Willpower ~ Don't You Want a Rain Dance?

Got caught in the rain yesterday near Central Park's Naumberg Bandshell. My bike and I sought refuge there. First time ever. Hard to believe considering the number of times I've passed the spot as a kid, but I have no recollection of climbing up on it's stone stage to keep dry.

My richest Bandshell memory: watching a Gary Puckett and the Union Gap concert in 1968. I followed older Yorkville kids to the event and I was thrilled to stand next to Pamela Hutter, an exceptionally pretty tomboy with a peek-a-boo haircut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0wkzpygfvswatch?v=V0wkzpygfvs



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CVdhlR328sdhlR328s



There were about 30 people out of the rain under the cover of the shell. Two of them had drums and started playing. Then I was stuck with 20 people, 10 preferred the rain over the drums. I stayed with the drummers, they were doing a speeded up version of Peter Gabriel's Biko. The moment reminded me of the rain stopping dance during Santana's set at Woodstock. Life's good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JryQXilMj4&feature=PlayList&p=6843BCD38110CE7B&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=9

Isis Digs Autumn in New York

My friend, Isis, the patron of magic and nature applauds autumn in New York. She loves the giant Checker taxi cabs on 5th & 14th, and tried to eat the colorful leaves on the drive in Central Park.

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Isis is a big fan of Daniel Webster and the bird's nest over Dan's right shoulder. Countless times, Isis performed the rites of all seasons at the Naumberg band shell on the Central Park Mall. Prior to 1923, Isis performed at the original caste iron band shell in the 1800s.

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Isis attended the Gary Puckett and the Union Gap concert at the bandshell in 1968, and sung along to "Woman, Woman," "Young Girl, "and "Lady Willpower."

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Lady Willpower, it's now or never. Give your love to me

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She's brunched with the Bethesda Fountain angel and her four cherubs, Temperance, Purity, Health, and Peace.

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Isis digs live music, favors the Losers Lounge, and is looking forward to being at Maxwell's in Hoboken on Sunday, February 28th for a terrific celebration of Neighborhood Evolution exploring the connections between Hoboken & New York City being planned by Claudia Chopek, Debby Schwartz and me. They'll be fabulous artists, musicians & storytellers. A good time for all.

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Isis further approves New York Yankees World Championship.