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August 13, 2008

Fencing In Bob Dylan

At last night's Bob Dylan concert in Prospect Park, the closing night of Celebrate Brooklyn and a benefit for it, too, the last longhaired baby boomers in the borough gathered to listen to the musical icon of their generation sing—though plenty of GenX and GenY-ers showed up as well. Only problem: those who didn't wish to swing the $55 for lawn seats or well above a cool hundred for actual chairs found they couldn't partake of extra-bandshell listening, as so many are accustomed to doing. One reader wrote in to complain about the high fence erected around the venue to prevent glimpses; sound apparently did not travel well beyond it. "Unbelievable: Dylan comes to Brooklyn & everyone who wasn't in his fan club, a VIP [there were plenty of seats reserved for music biz types], or willing to pay $200+ wound up barely able to hear and completely unable to see the concert, thanks to a tall black fence completely surrounding the bandshell area," he writes. "Considering that I've never seen this sort of setup at Celebrate Brooklyn, I have to ask: Whose idea was this - Dylan's or Celebrate Brooklyn? Anybody have an answer?" Well, do ya?
Dylan photo by Alan Fleishman

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Just another example of "entitlement?" Waaaahhhhhh, we can't hear it or see it because we didn't pay.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 9:32 AM

Celebrate Brooklyn is an event series designed to offer culture to the neighborhood. I thought it was kinda crappy to put up the fencing...people would have paid for tix either which way,but it just seemed to be against the spirit of CB.

Posted by: new2hood at August 13, 2008 9:42 AM

"Cuz the times they have ~CHANGED~"

Posted by: Prodigal_Son at August 13, 2008 9:43 AM

From the BRIC website:Celebrate Brooklyn! is Brooklyn’s premier free performing arts festival presented at the Prospect Park Bandshell each summer since 1979.

In Prospect Park, a public park. Hardly think this classifies as entitlement. And where did those prices come from??

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 9:43 AM

I love the idea of Bob Dylan behind a sound-proof barrier.

Can we keep him there forever?

Posted by: SnarkSlope at August 13, 2008 9:44 AM

Ordinarily I'd assume that the reason they'd need the fence was to induce people to pay for the concert (rather then just come and listen for free) - but having heard alot of Dylan's music - maybe the fence was to keep people from running away in horror.

Posted by: fsrg at August 13, 2008 9:46 AM

not to be snarky but.. didn't they say it was a benefit - hence those prices.

Posted by: tsarina at August 13, 2008 9:47 AM

Did he play "Tangled Up In Blue?"

This was a special "benefit show" of which there were three. All others are free.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 9:48 AM

The concert wasn't in the Celebrate Brooklyn line-up -- it was a benefit to fund Celebrate Brooklyn.

Posted by: 16Street at August 13, 2008 9:49 AM

Was anyone on the other side of the fence? What was it like? Playlist?

They were playing "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" at Gorilla Coffee yesterday. Man, that guy had some chops, at least as a 20 year old. "Masters of War" C'mon.

Posted by: likes2lurk at August 13, 2008 10:02 AM

This has been done at the non-free shows for a while. Not really newsworthy or worth getting upset about.

Posted by: deen at August 13, 2008 10:07 AM

I was right outside the fence at the back of the bandshell and the sound was o.k. Fact is Dylan mumbles. And he did play ' Masters of War' but a shortened version, along with 'It's Alright Ma', 'Like A Rolling Stone', 'Highway 61' and a nearly unrecognizable 'Blowin' in the Wind'. All in all, good line up.

Posted by: slopegrrl at August 13, 2008 10:12 AM

i'm surprised dylan didn't insist the fence be erected on the stage itself.

Posted by: Jimmy Legs at August 13, 2008 10:13 AM

they have for years now erected the fence for all paying concerts - and all paying concerts are not part of CB

Posted by: Bette at August 13, 2008 10:25 AM

Actually, the Dylan concert was part of Celebrate Brooklyn, and was touted as the closing concert of the season. It was also a charity concert. So, I still say the fencing was not in the spirit of CB, and not necessary, as tickets would have sold regardless.

That being said, I'm not a Dylan fan, so I didn't really care, it just seemed very "uncommunity."

Posted by: new2hood at August 13, 2008 10:32 AM

OMIGOD! Let's try thanking Celebrate Brooklyn for years of great FREE concerts instead of complaining that they put up fences around the BENEFIT concerts.

Posted by: lifeofreilly at August 13, 2008 10:42 AM

if you don't like it then you can just go get your MBA and get free front row tickets like the rest of us "VIP"s

Posted by: werner at August 13, 2008 10:46 AM

The fence caught me off-guard as well, but then again this is 2008 not 1978. Money and "exclusivity" rule the day...

Posted by: qis4quincy at August 13, 2008 10:51 AM

I was inside. We just "lucked out" getting tickets though we still paid $55 because my wife is a huge fan and I'd never seen him. I'm sure the show would have sold out regardless of the fence situation. In fact I'd bet that many of the attendees had never been to the bandshell before and had no idea that for most shows you can see and hear pretty well from outside. That said, the free concert series must get money from somewhere so when they hold the occasional benefit I don't blame them for closing of the views.

On to the show.... The sound was subpar at best and Dylan was barely able to croke through many of the songs. The crowd was generous, even through some of the honky tonk numbers that threatened to put me to sleep. Lots of pot smoke floating around and enough Budweiser to float a navy. Can't they get some lcoal beer in there? We ended up leaving early and had a nice stroll home through the neighborhood talking about how we could have sold our tickets on StubHub for a couple hundred bucks a piece.

Posted by: jimdisc at August 13, 2008 10:52 AM

As someone who works in the music biz and was given free tickets to the concert, I was told the fence was there for security reasons.

I really don't see what the big deal is.

You want to go to the concert so badly, buy a ticket.

Or work for pennies and get free ones...

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 10:54 AM

They put up the fence for all of the pay-for concerts ("benefits") and have done so for years. Yes, it's obnoxious, in a public park for which We the Taxpayers pay. What was worse were the nazi attitudes of the cops not letting anyone stand in the road behind the fence.

Apparently this concert sold out quickly so not all of those who would have paid could even get tickets. Seems like they could not fence it in if they've already sold all the tix.

That said, I was outside, it sounded like crap (I'm told it did inside too) and I tired pretty quickly of the old fart''s croak. I discovered years ago it's always better to spend your money on the records than on a crappy stadium show.

Posted by: Ppark at August 13, 2008 11:01 AM

You're kidding, right?

How long have you lived in Brooklyn?

Every summer Celebrate Brooklyn does a few high profile benefit shows that aren't free and every time they put up higher fences and post security. You might like it, you might now, but it is mos def *not* new.

Posted by: amanda at August 13, 2008 11:02 AM

The benefit concerts always have fences (Manu Chao, twice, and Feist are recent examples), as well as privately-contracted Nazis-er-security guards. Like the others have said, if you want to see these concerts, buy a ticket. Otherwise, celebrate the dozens of free concerts Celebrate Brooklyn puts on each year.

The set list will be on bobdylan.com soon.
There exists a dichotomy among Dylan concert attendees: some hate the fact that Dylan, at 67, just croaks some words and plunks some keys. They also hate that he changes arrangements regularly, refusing to reproduce studio versions of his "greatest hits."
Others accept his age and his infirmities (look, Isaac Hayes put on a good show to open this year's Celebrate Brooklyn and basically sat at his keyboard and mumbled some lyrics. We rejoiced his appearance and now mourn his death) and enjoy a Dylan concert for what its worth. I was there last night and appreciated the musicianship of his band, particularly his drummer and lead guitarist. Although several of his songs were unrecognizable, his interpretations of Blowin' in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone were unique. Beyond the Horizon was well-executed and I don't think a soul in attendance didn't sing along to Rainy Day Woman (..."everybody must get stoned...").

Posted by: anonymous552 at August 13, 2008 11:10 AM

Here's the NYTimes review of the show:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/14/arts/music/14dylan.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 11:21 AM

Kill yr idols.

Posted by: billyboomer at August 13, 2008 11:21 AM

And what would have been the big deal of just not having the fence? Have security guards/ticket takers make sure those who paid get their seats and just let the rest enjoy at a distance? I know it can be done- I've worked at events where that's exactly what we did. Just seems to me if a concert is in the open in a public park, benefit or not, the fence is over the top. Must have cost money too- money that didn't go to Celebrate Brooklyn. Or if erected by the parks dept. meant it was paid for by taxpayers. Just seems mean-spirited and small minded.

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 11:25 AM

Great show. I was inside as well. "Lonesome Day Blues" and "Summer Days" were superb, as were "Highway 61 Revisited," and several other numbers like "Thunder on the Mountain."

People complain that he mumbles and rearranges his tunes so they don't sound the same as they did on the records: Dylan has been doing this for 30+ years. As for those complaining that they couldn't hear beyond the gates, I feel for you. Tickets were expensive and I was lucky to get a pair. Maybe next time.

Posted by: Fjorder at August 13, 2008 11:28 AM

I think criticizing an event you know nothing about seems mean spirited and small minded to me.

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 11:29 AM

Turns out I'm the source of the comments quoted by brownstoner - and thanks for all the accusations of 'entitlement' etc. Clearly, those remarks come from people who would have rooted for Goliath instead of David... in other words, that soulless species, Brooklyn Republicans [yes, things HAVE chnged].
Anyway, although I don't have an MBA, I did try to buy tix - even with the TILDEN code & then thru regular old ticketmaster. No luck.
So considering this was a fully sold-out show & a rather special performer, it seems like it would have been a nice gesture to let the ticketless neighbors have a tiny peek at the show.
As for the ticket price I quote, $200 was yesterday's stubhub price for lawn [$400+ for seating].
Who that benefits is beyond me... but by all means, go scalpers! go music business weasels! and go screw the neighborhood!

Posted by: parkedslope at August 13, 2008 11:29 AM

"I think criticizing an event you know nothing about seems mean spirited and small minded to me."

I think criticizing people you know nothing about seems mean spirited and small minded to me. Since I am hardly the only one commenting, and it seems others agree with my position, maybe you should get a grip and act like a grown up.

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 11:48 AM

Yea, cause you NEVER say anything mean spirited, bxgrl.

Coming from the person who criticizes every damn thing on here.

You sound like the most negative person in Brooklyn.

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 12:06 PM

yes but Ppark invoked Godwin's Law!!! And Parkedslope uses th "R" word.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 12:11 PM

I love it when 11217 & bxgrl get into it.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 12:13 PM

It's the battle of the bands.

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 12:19 PM

11217- when you stop being the biggest hypocrite on the site and you can pull up quotes from me that prove what you've just said, I'll stop "criticizing". Oh.. and do keep them in context if you are capable. Why come after me for agreeing with what several other people have said? Do us both a favor- grow up and go away.

Thanks DIBS :-) If you'd like to see more of 11217 in action take a short stroll down memory lane to the New Brooklynite thread from yesterday. Although Adam ultimately wasn't bothered, 11217 acted in such a mean-spirited manner that he was taken to task by several people (I think you were one of them?) and one of his posts deleted. I also have to point out that since I am now outed as being "married" to benson ;-) I cannot now be an old married couple with 11217 (nor would I want to be. Feh.)

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 12:23 PM

Well since Adam wasn't bothered, I have to ask why you were Bxgrl?

Sounds like the definition of a busy body to me.

You will see above that I work in this industry and am telling you that the fence is not a big deal and is standard practice. It's a safety concern, pure and simple. Especially with an artist like this. It wasn't intended to keep cheapskates from catching a riff from the guy's show.

Just because you have people backing you up doesn't make you right. 32% of the population still thinks George Bush is doing a great job too, but I don't give them too much credence.

How about you have your own thoughts on your own merit, instead of using a sheep mentality and trying to say that you're right because others think you are.

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 12:28 PM

11217 - seems like the only cheapskate here is you: didn't you just brag about getting free tix?
This isn't a question about money or security, it's about being considerate - plain & simple.

Posted by: parkedslope at August 13, 2008 12:43 PM

I got free tickets because I work in the Music Business and was offered them by Bob Dylan's management.

Was I supposed to refuse?

It's one of the perks for making a relatively poor salary...

I don't pretend to know about finance, medicine or real estate (it's only a hobby) but I do know about music, managing artists and the production of shows.

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 12:48 PM

It's now considered inconsiderate to not be allowed to view a ticketed show for free, simply because it's being held in a tiny fraction of a public park after nightfall?

Ok.

Brooklyn can now be crowned the center of entitlement.

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 12:51 PM

I think people in the industry who get free tickets should give them up to the homeless. They should be turned in to the DHS who will distribute them among the homeless (or their employees).

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 1:01 PM

And yeah, I bragged about someone giving me free tickets to an artist I'm lukewarm about at best. Whoopie!

Never mind the people like Dave who talk about his "multiple homes" or Nokilissa's "we thought it needed 600K in work" so that would have been beyond our 3 million budget or the countless "50K for a kitchen?? are you crazy...are the cabinets from walmart??" or the 100 other things on this blog.

But way to put it all into perspective.

Btw, I don't mind Dave nor Nokilissa and enjoy them both (and their comments) I'm just sayin'...

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 1:01 PM

11217- As I said, Adam wasn't but several other people were (and I wasn't one of them who commented on what you did) and since you posted that on a public blog, you have nothing to bitch about if anyone- including me, comments (and you used that exact argument about public posting re adam)

Since you don't read well, let me point out I was not the first to comment about the fence. Let me also point out that your security argument holds no water because they have free concerts (Hello- Celebrate Brooklyn! and how about the recent Bon Jovi concert in CP? Now there was a safety concern and LOOK! No fence)without fences and Bob Dylan is hardly an act that will bring out terrorists. So stuff that argument where it belongs on your own anatomy.

And your sheep mentality argument wasn't great either- I didn't say I was right because other people think I am. This is what I said: "Why come after me for agreeing with what several other people have said?" Makes me wonder if english is your first language.

so let's see- you're a hypocrite and your arguments are based on a. insult and b. not a very careful reading of my posts. Must mean you're a wolf in sheeps clothing?

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 1:20 PM

Apparently, this is nothing new. Three other shows had fencing this year. These are paid shows. These shows are huge draws and lots of people would like to attend. This is where "security issues" come into play. I hope everyone is aware that the NYPD has very nearly perfected crowd control, crowd limiting and crowd division.

Sadly, there is a concern that having large amounts of people together will somehow incite a riot or bring about an otherwise chaotic environment. Now I don't think Feist is going to send anyone up in arms against the man. Bob Dylan should make everybody reflect on excessive sentimentality. The citizens of NYC are slowly being constricted and sublimated in the name of security issues. Watch and see during the West Indies Day Parade (orange, hand-held fencing for starters).

I think some may say that the police were protecting the attendees. I don't think anyone is thinking that a Prospect Park concert is a good spot for a small or mid-sized explosive. I believe that this is wider effort on the part of the police to create a residual notion amongst the citizenry that trying to gather in large numbers is futile. The NYPD underreported the number of people at the Met Opera that occurred in Prospect Park. By maintaining small crowds it prevents people from developing a sense of unity and strength.

Don't mistake me. I don't think people are looking for strength by attending Bob Dylan. I think it is a simple, and slow method of maintaining the idea that large groups won't form. It won't be possible to form large groups. People looking for others to join in protest will not be able to find unity and strength in a large group. We have become the "security issues."

Posted by: theperfect at August 13, 2008 1:20 PM

From a fence to keep out those who haven't paid to a massive conspiracy theory!!! And its only Wednesday!!!

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 1:26 PM

dave- your week is really looking up :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 1:29 PM

good lord. i hope 11217 has learned his or her lesson never to contradict bxgrl, and never, ever, to comment about things from, you know, actual experience!

Posted by: i disagree at August 13, 2008 1:31 PM

Is Biff on vacation???

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 1:33 PM

I think we're going to have to agree to disagree, Bxgrl. Our communication efforts are not going smoothly and it's really not worth fighting over.

Let's call a truce and get stoned just like Bob would want us to do...

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 1:36 PM

stoned is so 60s and 70s 11217. How about cocktails at Union Hall? I'm not sure if you remember but you were invited once before!!

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 1:38 PM

I disagree- english certainly isn't your first language. And before you comment, learn to read. Since concerts in the park have been given with and without fences, my comment is hardly dissing 11217's experience (and since I have also been involved in several large security-conscious events and once married many years to a musician, I think I have some experience to draw on as well.)

11217- works for me. I still have long hair and I can whip up a fringed vest! :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 1:43 PM

I forgot- Dave is much more edgy than we are. Can I wear the granny dress and beaded stuff anyway Dave?

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 1:45 PM

I remember Dave! I do appreciate the invite, but am still a bit too shy to come out, as it were...

And for me, nothing will replace getting stoned! I'll take a joint over a cocktail any day!!

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 1:47 PM

You'd be surprised who actually came out for drinks that night 11217.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 1:52 PM

Awww, 11217, that was nice.

Anyone here, over age 40, actually doesn't mind AT ALL the presence of this wall? Anyone else feel even the tiniest tweak of irony? I mean Bob Dylan for Christ's sake?
Or of "aw, man, that sucks"? Particularly given the disconcerting growth in the number of young people who've never even HEARD of Dylan? (or the Stones, or Hendrix, or Jeff Beck for that matter) Anyone else ever experienced that right of passage behind a concert shell, or snuck at least 3 into the car trunk in order to get into the drive-in for less dough because you couldn't scrape together enough for everyone otherwise? Anyone? (Bueller...Bueller...)

I find it somehow...just, wrong. Security or no.

Posted by: Nokilissa at August 13, 2008 1:53 PM

Dave! Stop that!

Posted by: Nokilissa at August 13, 2008 1:54 PM

And there was that big free one Nokilissa....Woodstock... but most of you were not born or just 2-3 back then I bet. Even "The Concert For Bangladesh" in MSG was only maybe $10-20...anyone remember who was there (besides Bob Dylan)???

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 1:59 PM

Nokilissa-I want to be on a parade float going down 5th Ave. singing twist and shout with people in lederhosen.

I will always love Dylan's work-so brilliant. I never did the car trunk thing but I did once spend a day in the New Orleans Arena listening to Rare earth. Pacific Gas and Electric, The Chambers Brothers, Ike and Tina Turner,James Brown and a couple of others who I can't remember at the moment. Amazing day.

11217- dare I envision you in a headband and tie dye shirt?

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 2:05 PM

bxgrl...believe it or not I had a big afro....I know that's going to confuse a lot of people here. I was more into just bell bottoms with wide belts.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 2:14 PM

I was at the concert. I paid for my ticket, but left early. Dylan singing sounded like the last croak of a scrawny wet market Hong Kong chicken.

Bxgirl is right. The big plastic fence was mean-spirited. The show sold out on the first day--and would have even if no fence was erected.

What makes Celebrate Brooklyn concerts such a summer delight is that they are as much about the community as they are about music. You drift in with your blanket and picnic, bump into your neighbors. The gate-keeping is relaxed, the policing low-key and almost invisible. It is the essence of what public, civic life in a city should be. Salif Keita, the African singer, attracted as many people as this Dylan show, but that concert felt 100% different. Why? No hired goons, no fence no "professional concert" vibe.

Like I said, I walked out on Dylan. I figure that my wasted $65 dollars is my contribution to Celebrate Brooklyn. Just like the other neighbor of mine who posted up there. I wish Celebrate Brooklyn organisers would have more faith in the wonderful spirit of their event and keep the goons away and the fences down for their next benefit concert.

Posted by: WonTon at August 13, 2008 2:17 PM

I'm not your typical stoner from the outside, Bxgirl.

Unless you walk by me and see my beet red eyes about the Slope, you'd probably not guess it.

I'm more of an urban hippie, I'd say.

I'd happily put on some tie dye though...as long as it goes with skinny jeans.

Just kidding!

Posted by: 11217 at August 13, 2008 2:18 PM

heh. bxgrl, next time you might try: "reading comprehension isn't your strong suit." or "forget to take your meds today?" i think dave has a whole list of trite commenter-insults you could ask him for cuz yours are getting a little stale! hope that helps!

Posted by: i disagree at August 13, 2008 2:22 PM

Wonton...having lived in Hong Kong, I love your analogies. I always wanted to be the first gweilo Canto pop star....I could actually sing one or two Jacky Cheung songs. And I can probably beat you at "Sup Yee Sup" or at least not lose every round. I always drank though even when I won!!!

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 2:24 PM

i disagree...i'm thinking of copyrighting all of them

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 2:25 PM

then bxgrl will owe you lots of royalties. maybe she can pay you in kind (get it?!).

Posted by: i disagree at August 13, 2008 2:29 PM

they did it for feist as well....

Posted by: slick at August 13, 2008 2:33 PM

what's the matter i disagree- hate when you sound like a fool? which you do so often. I only use my stalest comments on you because that's all you deserve (and they still apply). But I'll be happy to pay dave royalties. I have a job with meaningful work so I can afford to do that.

11217- ah, but did you ever wear 3 inch platform shoes? That's my criteria for authenticity. Dave- a fro???? I need to see pictures.

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 2:38 PM

oh, zing!

Posted by: i disagree at August 13, 2008 3:50 PM

bxgirl, I had a pair of blue leather shoes with a rainbow on the toe which matched the one on the heel, damn, I kept hem for years but forgot the brand. Came from 8th Street. Was a size 12 but I'm up to 14... cost 80 bucks back then.

Still have a few Nik-Nik shirts, can't fit into them any more but let my daughter wear them for a few times.

There's a word for that 'fro but probably can't use it these days.

Posted by: denton at August 13, 2008 3:53 PM

Nunn-bush, that was dem shoes!

Posted by: denton at August 13, 2008 3:55 PM

I will announce here and now I will pay to see those pictures, denton. I remember Nunn-bush shoes. I had the 3 inch platforms- for once in my life I was tall (er). and I remember having a pair of bell bottoms so wide I nearly killed myself just walking because they kept tangling up my legs I also stupidly went motorcycle riding in them. think Isadora Duncan meets mod squad.

My brother in law saved his shirts from Junior High- he could still wear them too but my sister finally became more ...proactive.

Anyone Antonio Fargas' pimp goldfish bowl shoes?

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 4:09 PM

I had some Nunn Bush shoes too

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 4:11 PM

bxgirl, if you contact me thru my profile I'll send you something funny. We'll discuss payment later :-)

Posted by: denton at August 13, 2008 5:55 PM

denton- I did. :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at August 13, 2008 6:51 PM

I am a regular attendee of the many fab concerts Celebrate Brooklyn puts together and I always give a generous contribution as I enter. CB is one of the reasons I love Brooklyn and my summers here. I failed to get Dylan tix, but would have gladly paid had I been lucky enough to get them in time. The experience outside the barrier was really depressing, beyond the poor sound quality. The police were in overkill mode, as they have become over the years. I sadly had to witness a bunch of cops cooperating with one zealous Blue Meanie who decided to bust two pot smokers trying to enjoy the moment. Yeah, Dylan opens his show with Everybody Must Get Stoned. Those cops evidently weren't listening. The two gentlemen busted are surely going to pay for the pleasure most of the rest of the audience was enjoying. The three giant fire trucks complete with tall ladders and cops on giant horses must have at some point felt pretty silly. If there was any reason for rebellion, it was their frightening presence. No parking on Prospect Park West! Those grey haired, romantic, music fans must somehow strike the security forces as dangerous and city tax payers should feel so safe to have all that overtime money spent watching people trying to enjoy music. The only thing missing was helicopters. I've seen helicopters circling over the bandshell with search lights glaring during a quiet dance concert. Sure made me feel safe. A cop that night told me I would feel glad they are there if I had gotten mugged that night. A helicopter at night must be a really efficient apprehending method with a person on the ground under dense trees. Give us all a break, and maybe a few cops dedicated to catching criminals on the ground, while leaving the rest of music lovers alone. Yes, I have an attitude, and the behavior of this city's cops has made me fear them.

I do think the tall barricade is not friendly. I felt punished for not getting on line fast enough. I will still celebrate Brooklyn and hope that it can put aside the heavy security. It is counter-productive.

Posted by: Bklynsolid at August 13, 2008 9:51 PM

I must say I agree that at most outdoor activities(this being no exception) the NYC cops attitude towards the public are way over the top too aggressive and as a result make me feel a lot less secure and a lot more apprehensive. I have to wonder what they are really gearing up for.

Posted by: slopegrrl at August 13, 2008 10:45 PM

Well, FWIW going to free shows 10 years ago was great. Not too crowded and the cops were not that bad. Now? It's tedious and not worth the effort most of the time.

Posted by: Jack at August 14, 2008 11:13 PM

« Homeless Intake Center Plan Provokes Broad Opposition 421-A Boundaries Shifting Again? »

August 13, 2008

Fencing In Bob Dylan

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