Brooklyn Cyclones, July 3rd

My husband and I have a new tradition.  For three years running we have visited MCU Park on July 3rd for a Brooklyn Cyclones game.  Now, I will have to admit that I'm not a baseball fan.  And despite the enticing aroma that wafts through the stadium, I don't partake of the Nathan's hot dogs.  Despite those obstacles however, I still find it a fantastic way to spend an evening.  It's an event that is fully entertaining.  Rooting for local team, eating cracker jack, feeling the sea breeze move across the seats. It's easy to get distracted watching the rides at Astroland, which is down the boardwalk.  The stadium is small, so it's easy to see what's going on in the field.  And the fans are die-hard.

We pick July 3rd, because the stadium offers fireworks that night.  It's an opportunity to see Independence Day fireworks, without fighting our way through a crowd, camping out in the heat of the afternoon or finding a friend with a rooftop view.  This year, we were lucky enough to see the Cyclones play against their biggest rivals, the Staten Island Yankees.  Unfortunately, the Cyclones lost but the night was salvaged by the fireworks display and a couple rounds of skee-ball in Astroland. 

Pop-Up Piano in Marine Park Brooklyn

There are various non-profit arts organizations that bring something exciting to New York City each summer.  We have seen waterfalls installed, color cows placed around the city, and a building was converted into an instrument.    This year, Sing For Hope an organization that aims to unite artists and communities distributed pianos all around the boroughs.  Appearing in some unlikely places, they not only present an opportunity to play an instrument, but also bring a unique aesthetic to the location.  We found this one behind the Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park, Brooklyn.

Sing For Hope's Pop-Up Pianos website allows you to locate one near you.

Spirit Picks: A Few of Our Favorite Things, Summer edition

Cocktails the Rubin Musuem's K2 LoungeI'm fortunate enough to love my part-time job.  I work for two quarterly publications, The Park Slope Reader and the New York Spirit.  Have completely separate themes, working for these magazines keeps me in touch with what's going on around Brooklyn and New York City.  

I've found that what i enjoy the most is keeping up with what's new and exciting.  And this is perhaps why I enjoy the columns I write for these magazines more than anything.  I get to keep my finger on the pulse of the holistic world with the New York Spirit.  

Here are my recommendations for the Summer issue of the New York Spirit.  

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

It's an annual tradition that I've been hearing about since I first moved to NYC.   Best described as Brooklyn's answer to Mardi Gras, the parade invites everyone to dress up in their favorite sea-inspired best.  It's a spectaculr way to spend the afternoon - witnessing the creativity marches along Surf Avenue.   You can see my photos here.

Celebrate Brooklyn! Bridge Dance Party

DJ Rekha and dancers - Brooklyn Bridge Park - May 26, 2011The summer hasn’t officially started, but Mother Nature doesn’t seem to know that.  With temperatures soaring into the low 90s, it felt more like Labor Day weekend than Memorial Day.  I have certain markers that indicate the official beginning of summer: The FIGMENT festival on Governor’s Island, a Cyclones game down in Coney Island and the events associated with Celebrate Brooklyn!  This summer-long festival spans the borough and lasts throughout the warm weather.   Generally, the season is in full swing before I participate in an event, but this year I seem to be a bit in tune with Mother Nature.

This year, the season kicked off with the Bhangra Bridge Dance Party.  It took place not under the Brooklyn Bridge, but adjacent to it in a park space set against the water.  As the sun set, we were treated to breathtaking views of downtown Brooklyn and the lower Manhattan skyline.   But the views were just a bonus.  The evening was a treat to the sense.

If you’re not familiar with Bhangra music, it’s a beat-heavy Indian style found in many Bollywood films.  The beat is nothing short of infective, you must dance along.  The night featured a warm-up DJ and dancers who taught basic steps to the crowd.   Dance with wild abandon.  There is no fear of looking silly. You are meant to enjoy yourself. The audience turned into one large dance party.  The headliner was DJ Rekha, host of Basement Bhangra at S.O.B.s.  She usually ignites the crown into a frenzy, but something about the fresh air added to the party atmosphere.  It was the perfect way to welcome the upcoming season.