Recap: Brooklyn Pride (pictures and video!)
Reading time: 4 – 7 minutes
Brooklyn Pride (Brooklyn, New York)
Event Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010
Event Recap by: Jenn E.
Brooklyn Pride was my first experience seeing Ariel Aparicio perform live. Having trained into the city from Washington DC earlier in the day – I was feeling slightly tired and was hoping for a pick-me-up to get me feeling energetic and joyful.
I got more!
My happiest moment came before the concert – when I was finally able to meet Ariel after months of listening to his music and admiring him. What a kind, graceful human being. (For more on our meeting, look for the newsletter releasing July 1).
I sat down in the grass surrounding the stage at Prospect Park and made myself comfortable. The crowd was scattered about in different places – many attempting to find cooler shade to hide from the intense heat that devoured the fresh outdoor air.
Once Ariel’s set started – I forgot about the heat and the exhaustion from traveling earlier that morning – and I became overwhelmed with what I cannot describe in any other way except to use the word “joy”. Ariel’s presence on stage from the beginning of his set was electrifying – he loves what he does. There is no doubt. He is comfortable and confident. He began by singing the lyrics from the soundtrack Free to be You and Me that go ”when I grow up I’m gonna be somebody special – somebody special is what I’m gonna be – when I grow up I’m gonna be somebody special – I’ll be me.” It was the perfect start to a set that showed so much personality and originality. Even Ariel’s cover of Madonna’s “American Life” (you can see that video from Brooklyn Pride HERE ) felt new to me – a different creation from the original – re-invented with his smooth, intoxicating voice.
His newest single “Lucille” was something I had looked forward to seeing live and I loved it – especially with an appearance by Khalid Rivera – featured in the song itself and also in the video. Ariel was joined in the audience by his husband and his son – when he sang “Hang Around” (written around the time his son was born) – he pointed out his little boy to the crowd – so beautiful to see how much he adores his son and family.
Each song was proud – each one of his creations was alive and it grabbed the attention of the crowd. I could see faces moving, people drawing closer to the stage – because he has that charisma. I loved every song – it made me feel hopeful that in a time where music had seemed to be to be lost a movement of over-production and lyrics that lack substance – I felt raw, amazing talent shining through the whole set.
Brooklyn Pride was a true win – for Ariel and his band, the fans, and especially for me – my first live experience was unforgettable – and the trip from D.C. to see him was completely worth it!
Photo Credits: Buck Berk (buck@optonline.net)
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