Concert of the Week: Still Woozy at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

When Taylor and I make our seasonal pilgrimage to New York City for some high-quality theatre, the summer months usually prove the most difficult for ticket-buying. A number of Broadway shows close around Tony time, while smaller shows or non-profits usually push programming into the fall. We decided to fill the Saturday night of our recent trip with something outside the theatrical box, and, after some internet searching, I saw that Still Woozy was making a rare 2025 appearance in Brooklyn for a benefit concert. Taylor saw him in concert last year and had a fun time, and the tickets were the right price, so we made it happen.

I'm not his biggest fan, but I do like his stuff in an easy-listening kind of way. I listened to a lot of it in anticipation of the show - his song "Shotput" is my favorite of the bunch.

For starters, the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park, where BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! hosts their summer programming, is a small venue. We arrived 30 minutes after the gates opened to no line whatsoever. At first, I assumed that meant everybody was in already. Nope! When we got in, the standing room/pit/whatever they call it was only like two rows deep. We instead opted for some beers and fries that didn't come with enough dipping sauce. On our way back to the pit, Taylor spotted a table and two chairs in the grass with great sightlines. We plopped down, didn't finish the fries but finished the drinks in time for more, and waited out opener Kate Bollinger. During her set, I compared her to Faye Webster, whom we saw in D.C. last year, and Taylor didn't like that comparison at all. My ears can't tell the difference.

When Mr. Woozy (I overheard somebody call him that and I just...thought it was so funny) hit the stage, it felt like the crowd ballooned up instantly. Before we had a nice seat for the show, now we were somehow in like the 18th row of the pit. I guess people came exclusively for Mr. Woozy. Well, aside from the people who came to drink a lot and talk really loudly. Once the show started, we had to move around the crowd a few times just to get away from the people who were there for the social aspect (oh, Brooklyn) and not the music. I wanted to see the show! And hear the music in peace. And laugh at that big inflatable thing he blows up halfway through the set.

Maybe next time.

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