Campfires and Smores with Jose Gonzalez and UCB Theater
Jose Gonzalez
The Yard, 9.28.08
New York Magazine "Campfire on the Canal"
Sunday was a day plagued by rain, and the disappointment of the Mets season coming to an end. Luckily, the rained cleared in time for New York Magazine's latest indie music party - "Campfire on the Canal." Following the success of such events as indie rock karaoke with Of Montreal and indie trivia night with Les Savy Fav, Campfire on the Canal was just as wonderful as it sounds. Located at The Yard in Gowanus, we were treated to free alcohol (both beer and vodka mix drinks were available) and smores on a stick. Under the shade of trees and a more natural environment than us city dwellers are used to, we were able to warm up by a campfire and listen to members of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater tell us some of their most hilarious summer stories of their embarrassing past. Tales of lost virginity, Dungeons and Dragons, gays and sports, and uncontrollable puking made us all laugh away the pain of a baseball post season without either New York club.
After the storytelling was over, the main attraction, Jose Gonzalez took the stage, equipped with an acoustic guitar and some beautiful songs. It was a serene experience, perfectly planned and executed by the people from New York Magazine.
It was all of the good things about camping (smores, nature, sitting around telling stories) without the bad stuff (finding the right leaves for toilet paper, bug bites, sneaky raccoons). Much of the evening reminded me of the days of Cub Scouts (I quit very early into Boy Scouts).
Hopefully, they continue to host these wonderfully originally and entertaining events. Next one the schedule appears to be another night of indie rock karaoke!
