FIRST SATURDAY: BROOKLYN MUSEUM
last saturday i spent the most amazing handful of p.m. hours at the brooklyn museum soaking up palpable atmospheric love, beautiful new art dangling decoratively from lobby walls-capturing all attentive eyes, ears and hearts-and a plethora of joyful energy emanating from the unique bodies wandering about in dazed awe. the title "toward joy" to kick off the first of the first saturdays, presented by kith, was well intended with what i was able to capture from my brief visit. my obsession with people watching while breathing in the excitement and anticipation of what was to come kept me on my toes even as i tried to deliberately press my nose between the last pages of james baldwin's "the fire next time." - an incredible, profound read i'd planned to finish and return to the library same day. but the presence of avangelia's band immersed in soundcheck, as they were the first musical act of three, thankfully swayed my attention to mindfulness; an appreciation for my blessed circumstances. it awoke the memory of my first encounter with first saturday in summer of 2017, watching with passion and delight as o'shun brought down the house with their earthy and soulful sounds.
a week before my arrival on february 1st, 2025, i'd made my way to the brooklyn museum from a borough that required one bus and three train transfers to witness the ancient egyptian art feature which included "african ancestors of egypt and nubia: spotlighting-from the green sahara to the nile and growing up tutankhamun." i left in grateful and astounded tears with a newfound knowledge and respect for history and it's importance to the life i'm able to experience.
so, being back inside those walls of diversity and inclusion for first saturday felt almost dream-like. a welcome home, we missed you kinda vibe raced through me as i, like other curious guests, poured through the doors in magnetic anticipation. the crowd for avangelia's performance included fans and newbies like me. the newbie effect didn't last long however, as i immediately followed her on her socials as soon as she dropped the info. her show was inspiring-full of authenticity, natural beauty and soul. i instantly understood why she gathered the following that grooved and clapped, whistled and sang along to her music. she was a bonafide work of art, boldly and with visible vulnerability, displaying her gift for all to vigorously observe.
as the show closed and all began to spread out to mingle, access the restrooms, pause by the cafe for pastries and beverages, check out the galleries, pop-ups and studios, or patiently wait for the next group of performers, i made my way to the double door exit. my soul had been filled. i'd consciously drank in this grounding adventure mentally, emotionally and because it was the first day of my seven day water fast, physically. i needed to hop on my train and bus route home before i dreamily lost the other slipper. the spark of what can be shot through me with turbo power, igniting a shock to childhood desires of iconic aspirations. so, rest-assured, i will definitely be back. maybe as a guest again or as a featured artist soaking in the sights and sounds from a dream-fulfilled perspective.
