131 replies to this topic

[GG Mora]

So, is 'Bushwick' like 'Chiswick' and therefore pronounced 'Buzzick'?

[Wilfrid]

With respect to Wilfrid's initial question, here's what's currently compelling about Bushwick (by which I obviously mean the New Bushwick, racistly disregarding the thousands of pre-existing longtime inhabitants): it gives the sense of being a real bohemian enclave. How long has it been since Williamsburg was anything like that? You walk around New Bushwick and you get the feel that you're among real bohemians -- not a bunch of post-collegians who are too cool for Murray Hill.

Well, your post kind of deconstructs itself, doesn't it?

You have gained a false impression from - I suspect - dipping your toes into the two blocks between Roberta's and the subway, and maybe a gallery or two. Perhaps I do you a disservice.

But do me a favor: walk up and down Bushwick Avenue, Knickerbocker, Central, DeKalb and tell me where these bohemians are. Bushwick is street after street of light industry or cheap, rundown housing.

The vital clue that this "bohemian enclave" doesn't exist? The almost total absence of bars, cafes and other meeting places. Little Skips does not a Left Bank make.

Yes, people on the fringes of the arts live there. And travel to do their stuff elsewhere. Or go nuts when the L train is out.

[Wilfrid]

And a theater. And a music club.

Theater?

Music club - do you mean Party Expo? Pretty much done after a bust-up with promoters, or so it is rumored.

[Sneakeater]

You have gained a false impression from - I suspect - dipping your toes into the two blocks between Roberta's and the subway, and maybe a gallery or two.

And a theater. And a music club.

[Sneakeater]

Theater?

Bushwick Starr (on Starr St.)

Music club - do you mean Party Expo? Pretty much done after a bust-up with promoters, or so it is rumored.

Shea Stadium (on Meadow St.)

[Wilfrid]

Whatev's!

[Sneakeater]

(I'm sure there are lots of other music clubs -- but I'm not cool enough to know about them.)

[Wilfrid]

Party Expo was an underage punk club. There's music in the back of The Morgan sometimes. Bands a couple of times a week at Broomies. If this is a scene, I am a donut.

As I said earlier (and Orik repeated), there is an underground scene which you can access if you know people. But it's not something you can just show up and observe.

[Sneakeater]

It's the germ of a scene.

[Sneakeater]

Also -- although I have no idea, really -- I'm not sure the people who play Shea Stadium (Laurel Halo, say) are the same kinds of people who play bars. (It's not mainly rock; more post-rock.)

But I may be totally wrong about that.

[Wilfrid]

I couldn't have found a better word than "germ."

[Wilfrid]

Oh, let's not forget comedy and "avant garde" music at Goodbye Blue Monday. You see, I am helping you out.

[Orik]

I'm imagining rozrapp & co trying not to touch the street on their way to Roberta's. (never met rozrapp, just kidding)

[Wilfrid]

Morgan Avenue is one of the subway stops where you'll find the rats on the platform.

[Sneakeater]

So is Wall St.

(Not meant as a joke or social comment. I mean literally.)