It was announced today that Brooklyn’s JELLY Pool Party series, which brought us free shows from Grizzly Bear, Girl Talk, Dirty Projectors, et. al this year, may be in trouble. JELLY’s venue space, the East River State park might not be available in Summer 2010, and so action is necessary! We contacted JELLY supporter (and Brooklyn native) Senator Charles Schumer — who is up for re-election next year — to find out his thoughts on the JELLY debacle.
The official statement:
“I happened to pass by the Jelly concerts when I was riding my bike through Williamsburg and was amazed at the thousands of people who lined the streets to come to the concerts. People from every part of the country who had made their way to Brooklyn, enjoying music and one another’s company – it’s the best of New York. When I heard that the concerts might be cancelled, I couldn’t understand why given that this is exactly what our parks are supposed to be for and I am going to do everything I can to see that they continue.”
We know he must be busy with other issues — Afghanistan, the economy, health care reform — but this is a really important cause too, especially if you’re a poor New Yorker whose musical tastes veer toward mainstream indie rock. Or if you like Beyonce/Jay-Z sightings.
Email the Senator (phil@schumer.senate.gov ) or call his office (212 486-4430) to encourage his support. Let the free concerts live!