The Adventure Experiment

We spent most of my last full day appreciating a slower vibe in Brooklyn and the night learning how to feel Young @ Heart.

Our first stop was the Tenement Museum, a landmark building located at 108 Orchard Street, offering various guided tours of the apartments to teach visitors about the life of an immigrant during the 19th and 20th century.

The Moores: Irish Family in America tour. (The Moores lived on the fourth floor of the tenement.) Our guide focused on the life of an Irish-Catholic immigrant family, and the struggles they endured while living in the tenement in the late 1860s.. The museum has recreated everyday life in this space, showing people the furniture used, traditions practiced and way of life. The tour explained health issues for that time period, and one of the family’s infant daughters died after drinking tainted milk. There was a room dedicated to an 1869 authentic Irish wake that was heartbreaking to visit. Although it was tragic, I appreciated standing in room, knowing generations of families had stood in the same exact place, facing many issues that we face today, such as health care, racism and economic survival. (Of course, their lives were much more physically challenging.) I was amazed that the museum has connected with the Moore’s descendants and able to track family lines to today. One of the children, Ruth, had scribbled her name on a weathered, wallpapered wall and it remains today.

A little more somber, we taxied to the Brooklyn Bridge (which is one of the oldest suspension bridges) then walked across it. The hurried mood swept us from NYC into Brooklyn, with commuters running, biking and fast walking along.

We located DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Underpass) and lounged at the park. Kids played, dogs barked, and the typical day at the park antics occurred.

We staked out the St. Ann’s Warehouse and met my friend, Leigh, at a horrible nearby restaurant called 66 Water Street Bar and Lounge that serves equally horrible ‘margaritas.’ If you’re in the neighborhood, do not bother. Spotty service happens, and that was the only mark on an otherwise perfect night. We watched the Young @ Heart Chorus perform “End of the Road” to a thrilled audience. The cast consists of men and women, aged 70 and older, sing modern songs with a twist. Some of their repertoire included Bob Dylan, The Pixies, the Buzzcocks, Bon Jovi and the Flaming Lips. I love how they transcend age and culture stereotypes by letting their own spirits shine. The Associated Press (AP) said it best, “It may sound like a gimmick, but Young@Heart is no karaoke act. They’re a cover band for the ages.” Their versions of the songs made you hear the lyrics in a new way, and see that music can truly change depending on situations and experience. Here’s a review of the performance.

My favorite part of the show was when one man wearing all white, including a white hat (think Frank Sinatra-esque) toting an oxygen tank stood in the middle of the stage and belted “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi. Come on, who wouldn’t find inspiration in that moment? The director, Bob Cilman, has been the chorus director since 1985. Wow. He’s got something special going on there. He is a true motivator, and I hope everyone has a chance to experience his artistic vision. If you’re not in a city where Y@H is performing, you should check out the documentary.

The night was a hit, spent with good friends and an uplifting message. Overall, the trip left me refreshed and inspired to return to my much different, yet equally happy life in Texas. Until next time, NYC.