Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Out of this World

Here's the view from the 12th row center from last night's wildly energetic/hallucinogenic show @ Lincoln Center Out of Doors.

On stage is the outrageously inventive composer and digital violinist Todd Reynolds with wackadoodle/completely out of his mind "singer/multi-instrumentalist provocateur" Sxip Shirey, beat box god Adam Matta and a chorus of young violinists plus a tuba guy whose name I do not know. Their set of sheer amazingness was followed by dreamy prose and music by Laurie Anderson who was joined at the end by Lou Reed. Anderson's performance had a social critique/seventies-fabulous quality to it, reminding me of just how cutting-edge she was...and still is.

For those who have not experienced the magic of Damrosch Park on a summer night for the FREE cultural cornucopia of Lincoln Center Out of Doors, teleport yourselves there ASAP!!! Indeed, following last night's magic, I am about to can my plans for tonight in Nyack (a great destination in its own right) and beg, cajole and otherwise convince my friend Pesha to meet me back @ Lincoln Center for tonight's performances.

A shout-out to my good friend and J School classmate Vivien for inviting me to join her and her kick-ass friends Sally and Marilyn last night. After the show, Viv and I walked from Lincoln Center to the Hummus Place on Amsterdam and then, all the way, all the way, all the way home to Morningside Heights.

Music. Wine. Falafel. Friendship. New York City on a summer night.

It doesn't get better than that.

Here's what's on for tonight:

The funk is on when award-winning choreographer David Dorfman and his troupe join the musicians of The Family Stone for the world premiere of a new work on August 11, Prophets of Funk (Concert Edition). With its hits “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” the Family Stone was synonymous with soul and funk and was also one of the first major bands on the national scene integrated along race and gender lines. Inspired by their groove, David Dorfman Dance unveils a 3 concert edition of a full-company work. Featuring a live band performance, outrageous costumes, striking lighting and visual effects, and gorgeous dance, it’s a non-stop celebration, in Dorfman’s words of, “the funk and joy of everyday life.”

Debo Band, which shares the August 11 bill is a Boston-based, Ethio-groove collective led by Danny Mekonnen. The band’s unique instrumentation—including horns, strings and accordion—was inspired by the Golden Age of Ethiopian music in the late 1960s and early 70s, but its accomplished musicians are giving new voice to that sound. Joining Debo is Ethiopian traditional dance and music troupe, Fendika, amazing young Azmari artists led by one of Ethiopia’s leading dancers Melaku Belay. Belay, one of the most active artists and arts advocates on the Addis Ababa scene today, is an innovative and virtuoso interpreter of Eskiska a traditional Ethiopian “shoulder dance”. He appeared at Out of Doors in 2008 dancing with Gétatchèw Mèkurya and The Ex.

Look for me in the 12th row center.