It’s Summer of 2017 in New York City, and there’s a hunger not only to be outside—but to be soaked in music and dance.
We’re all used to block parties in the NYC area. They’re an integrated part of what it means to live in the city. Like back in the day, when someone from the neighborhood that owns a sound mixer, two turntables and speakers would bring their sets outside to play for the neighborhood. Next thing… Party in Park! Party in the Park! Unofficial and late-running.
That was then, this is now. Clubs and bars are great arenas for people to get their dance on all night long. I won’t knock them here. I do have to give credit to the outdoor house music party scene since 2004 when I began documenting them. A big thank you to those DJs who make them happen all over New York City and New Jersey (at their own expense). These days, some are sponsored, a sure sign of established credibility with widespread growth & approval.
So, here we are, West Harlem’s Piers. Soul Summit Music had spread the word through social media that they’d be out spinning the music for those who want to get their dance on. They have a great rep for outdoor music parties. Watch one of their online videos of their events. Ask anyone about their Fort Greene Park or Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration parties.
With a wide roster of DJs during the Summertime, you can get to events happening on Brooklyn’s Coney Island Boardwalk, Fort Greene Park, Commodore Barry Park, Lafayette Playground. Manhattan’s East River Esplanade (LES). Various Cities & Towns in New Jersey. There are more event spots than I can list here, these are the ones I recall right off the bat.
So, here without interruption are photographs from that wonderful, Sun-shiny Saturday afternoon of dance. If you can feel the vibes, let me know.
Here’s a view of the Pier as seen from above. Check out the —> MAP
I hope you can feel the community, essence and vibe of the event—and the place that makes it all worth being there. There’s a unified sense of purpose within everyone who comes out. We come for the music and dance—break a sweat with good dance and good people.
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Thank you, till next time…
Kenneth