That's right, our main man Paul. Singer/songwriter from the internationally acclaimed duo Simon and Garfunkel. On Monday I went to the premier of a movie called Black Magic at the Apollo Theatre right by my work. It's a documentary that was made by one of our board members, and follows the Civil Rights movement through basketball. Our organization benefited from the ticket sales, so I was able to go for free. I love when my job has perks...tis rare. We also had a bit of a VIP reception here at the office right before the premier, where such greats as Earl "The Pearl" Monroe graced us with their presence. The movie follows the life of several such influential basketball players, most of whom attended all black universities in the 60s, and follows their struggles to progress because of segregation, in spite of their being the best players in the country. The movie is showing commercial free on ESPN (it's a 4 hour version, so Tivo it) on March 16 &17. I would definitely suggest watching it. You'll shed a tear.
Paul came to the VIP reception in our office, and then walked over to the Apollo. After the movie, I was able to get out before most of the crowd, and as I was walking down 125th street in Harlem, who do I see standing there in a beige trench coat and fedora but Mr. Simon, yes just standing there, all by his lonesome. The sidewalks were empty. While I felt the urge to break out in The Only Living Boy in New York, it was more like the sound of silence. We shared what I would like to call a moment as the only 2 (well plus my friend, but you know those things where everyone else disappears) people on this sidewalk in the city. You guys, it was sort of a big deal. Kendall told me he wrote the Sound of Silence sitting on his bathroom floor in the dark at age 14. Enough said...So I guess I'll just be here....have fun without me. I miss you all deeply! I am so sad I'm missing this weekend. Everything in the city is great- I'm really looking forward to it getting warm again. Let's bust out that vacation jar and plan something!
(That's a picture of the Apollo and the street I work on. This Subway is no longer there....otherwise my struggles to find something to eat for lunch that isn't fried, or called Dunkin Donuts, would be alleviated) .
I also wanted to give a little birthday shout out to Risby. Peace and Love little one.
3 comments:
J was spotted with P in the back of the Apollo. XOXO, gg
Dude, sweet Gossip Girl quote! Very funny.
Jord...you are having such an amazing experience. A couple of years ago I was at a fund-raiser for Christopher Reeve in NYC. Out on the stage walked Paul and his guitar. He sang "The Boxer" and "Old Friends". It was right after Chris had died and it was an poignant moment. The guy is an amazing poet and artist. So glad you got to be in his space.
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