Now, here's a little story I've got to tell . . .
I lied.
There is no way I could NOT write about the incredible weekend I just experienced. However, I wondered if it had a place on my blog, considering my goal is to post stories about random acts of kindness and highlight noteworthy causes. My recent trip to New York City seems so self-indulgent at first glance; it was a pilgrimage, a celebration, a fan-cation. But upon closer reflection, I realized I was on the receiving end of a HUGE act of kindness. There was no celebrity auction, no money was raised, no finish line was crossed (although, a metaphorical finish line was crossed, but I'll get to that later).
It started out as an invitation to all Beastie fans via Facebook and message boards. The host, Jason, created a walking tour of infamous Beastie Boys/New York City sights to help celebrate the birthday of our dearly missed Adam Yauch (MCA), who would have turned 48 on August 5, 2012.
When I first saw the invite, I thought, "That's cool. I wonder how many weirdos are going to show up for that?" Speaking as a weirdo, I talked to Frank (my way-better half), and threw out the idea to him.
"So, what you think about going to New York for the weekend, to hang out with people I've never met, and have no idea what their real names are, to walk around and look at the outside of buildings that Beastie Boys either wrote songs about or maybe lived in once upon a time?"
He said, "We should go!" (This man is a gem. Ladies . . . back off).
So we ditched work a few hours early and drove up this past Friday afternoon. Saturday morning we were late to the meeting site, but soon caught up with the group (of random strangers). Before long, they weren't random OR strange anymore. They were (and are) a perfectly lovely group of normal-ish people, just like us, who adore the Beastie Boys and wanted a chance to be with other like-minded fans to pay tribute and celebrate.
And so, we walked.
And walked. And then we walked some more. I think we walked for nearly 8 hours straight, except for two breaks: Bad Burger (former BB recording studio was located upstairs) and Iggy's Keltic Lounge (near Ludlow and Rivington - famous BB corner. Google it). Oh, and it was about 90 degrees with 90% humidity. But we kept going and nobody complained. (I complained the next day of shin splints. How does Frank put up with me)?
Jason had created a detailed itinerary, complete with subway stops, distance between locations, and a brief history of the importance of each site. It was like a graduate thesis project. And did I mention he doesn't even live in New York? Or the U.S., for that matter? Cripes! That's talent!
Our tour also took us past Oscilloscope Laboratories (film and music production), 59 Chrystie Street (former BB residence and BB jam), and ended at the amazing and breathtaking MCA tribute mural in Brooklyn. Hot and tired, our little group gathered on the subway platform and silently stared, took a few photos, a wiped away tears. Somehow, looking at the mural made it all seem so real.
But we weren't ready for the day to end. Though a few folks opted for a quick nap and shower, Frank and I went with the rest of the group and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. Never thought I would ever do that - and it was awesome. (Finish line - didn't need spectators cheering - I was all smiles all day).
We all met up again that evening at a Manhattan bar called Overlook for more Beastie revelry. The DJ (thanks, Pat!) was spinning non-stop Beastie Boys tunes, and drink specials included a Brass Monkey and bottles of Miller (Google it). Soon after we arrived, Jason herded the fans outside, saying we had to look at something "really cool" and Beastie related. The ooohs and ahhhhs echoed down the street corner as fans trickled out of the bar. In front of us was an amazing homage to MCA, with a shout-out to Jam Master Jay (Run-DMC). This rolling tribute is a 1976 Cadillac, covered from hood ornament to fins with Beastie Boys art work, photos, quotes. It was a beautiful sight to see. The fans snapped pics and took turns posing by the beast(ie). Then it got quiet. Nobody was talking; many were crying. So much time and energy and patience and love went into that car. And though the car is a celebration of Yauch's life and the Beastie Boys legacy, it was also a breathtaking reminder that he is really gone.
Yesterday was Adam Yauch's birthday, and yet he keeps on giving gifts to us; the fans. A few of the gifts we've received from Adam:
*The knowledge that life is short - so do what you damn well please!
*The courage to do it with grace, class, and style (finesse and debonair. Ok, that was quoting Adrock - but it still counts).
*That it feels good to do something for others - but that shouldn't be why you do it.
*That art . . . in any form . . . is beauty. Create something beautiful!
*His music and his message. The gift that keeps on giving.
*That it doesn't have to be expensive, or fancy, or commercial in order to be loved and appreciated.
Thank you, Adam Yauch, for inspiring Jason to create a weekend that we'll never forget. This random group of stranger-friends will always have those moments; gazing up into the windows at O-Scope to read the Gratitude tribute that Yauch's friends hung for him, standing silently on the Brooklyn subway platform, or seeing the Caddy for the first time.
Thank you, Jason, for your HUGE act of kindness, and for helping me take a risk to go on this adventure. Not something I would normally do and a little outside my comfort zone. It would have been so much easier to stay on the couch with my box o' Cabernet and watch "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" reruns. The reward definitely outweighed the risk. It was a great tour, a great day, and you made everyone feel so welcome.
Now that's grace and class. With a little bit of debonair.
'Til next time, with peace and gratitude.
