My Small Story Mix: Detroit To NYC

My Small Story Mix

►

Detroit Inspired. NYC Executed. The initial stories I filmed in my hometown of Detroit have grown into over 100 NYC stories. This is a mix of clips from 12  stories I filmed  btwn February 2010 to July 2011. Motown to Grotown (a conversation @Detroit hospital is the impetus for www.mysmallstory.com) , Schott Free (former LOUD a&R, think Wutang, MoBB Deep), Stacey Mckenzie (Model/Entrepreneur told she was “too ugly to be” the supermodel she is today), Steven Mark Klein (New Yorker), Georgia (Family Beauty Business), Omar Dubois (Culture writer, traveler), Beans (Music artist@Label store), Openhouse Gallery (NYC’s #1 pop up space/experimential marketing), Uplifting Men (Homeless Activist), Samia & I@World Cup (unbeknownst to us, samia is 2-3 weeks pregnant with our daughter Chloe), Hussein Warmack (Founder, Nu South Lemonade) and Amel Larrieux (music artist loved by many, I first met Amel while filming the making of GURU’s Jazzmatazz).

FREEDOME BRADLEY: Director of Theatrical Programs for New York’s City Park Foundation & SummerStage (Central Park)

►

I spent the day in Central Park with a friend of 20 years. As Director of Theatrical Programs for New York’s City Park Foundation and SummerStage, Freedome is a passionate force behind New York’s largest free performing arts festival, bringing over 100 performances to 18 parks throughout the 5 boroughs. If he ever decides to run for NYC Parks Commisioner, he has my vote. Freedome is driven to bring “top flight art” to adults and kids via Central Park’s SummerStage, The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and Puppet Mobile. I filmed our conversation as we tour the Swedish Cottage (the theatre where the puppet shows take place daily); learn Freedome’s story; the mission of the City Parks Foundation; meet the Puppet Mobile crew; and view the new development at Marcus Garvey Park, which opens June 2nd.

This story was filmed April 26th, 2011. I began sharing “My Small Story” April 26th; thus, I could not think of better story to begin my 2nd year of stories – a person that is committed revitalizing NYC parks and bringing art to New Yorkers in parks in all 5 Boroughs. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.

The Swedish Cottage, built in Sweden in 1875, was placed in Central Park in 1877 at the suggestion of Frederick Law Olmsted. Since its arrival in the US, the Cottage has served a variety of purposes, perhaps most importantly being used as the headquarters for the Civil Defense during World War II. It was also formerly a tool house, a library, and Central Park’s entomological laboratory.

In 1947, the Swedish Cottage became known, as it is today, as the home of the Marionette Theatre. In a show of patriotism, both Swedish and American flags fly from the roof of what was once a traditional schoolhouse.

The 2011 season of SummerStage, New York’s largest free performing arts festival, brings over 100 performances to eighteen parks throughout the five boroughs. With performances ranging from American pop, Latin and world music to dance, spoken word and theater, SummerStage fills a vital niche in New York City’s summer arts festival landscape. Since its inception twenty-six years ago, more than six million people from New York City and around the world have enjoyed SummerStage. The festival runs from June 7^th until September 2^nd.

Robert Aaron: One of The Greatest Saxophonist of All Time

Born in Montreal and flourished in NYC. He plays more instruments than he has fingers,. He’s a polygot who has played with David Bowie, Chic, Amy Winehouse, Blondie and was a member of Wylcef’s band for more than a decade. We had a chat in front of the mural at Houston avenue and Bowery.

Dinosaur Hill Toy Store: South Dakota, Pre-School, East Village & Butterflies

Pamela Pier founded NYC’s Dinosaur Hill 27 years ago. From South Dakota preschool teacher to a NYC toy store owner, Pamela has got to be one of the kindest people in NYC I have met. Remember, I randomly walk into small businesses in NYC. “We are committed to purveying handmade wonderments, toys and clothes that challenge the mind, please the eye, and stimulate the senses.” Dinosaur Hill

Steven Mark Klein: Creative Philosophy, Passports & NYC

Steven is a global creative, longtime friend and mentor to many New York entrepreneurs, including yours truly. We randomly bumped into each other and had a conversation on why fewer than 15% of Americans have passports and he also shares a rather visual timeline of NYC from 1960-2010. Mr. Klein, a native of Brooklyn, has for three decades explored the relationship between contemporary culture and constructing efficient and proftable brand identity. Steven has worked with Ammirati Puris-Lintas, Lowe Lintas Partners, Hill, Holiday/Altschiller, Kirschenbaum + Bond, Grey Entertainment, GCI Group, Balet + Albert, DDB Digital, SiegelGale, TBWA / Chiat / Day and other agency groups.

NYC SMALL STORIES I: Gus’ Pickles, Kixclusive & Lilliput Kids

Gus’ Pickles has been serving up pickles to New Yorkers for over 50 years, Kixclusive is the hot online sneaker destination with their new store in NOLITA and Lilliput Kids has 2 Soho locations.

By Robert James, Rafik Video & King’s Road Home

By Robert James is a boutique on the Lower Eastside that makes bespoke men’s clothing. Located near Union Square, Rafik Video is one of the oldest post-production companies in NYC. And Soho’s King’s Road Home is a eco-friendly solid wood furniture store.

The Story of Rafik Video