Bee Scene: An East Side Music Experience

This week I found myself in a slightly less familiar part of town: the east side. Yeah, I’m one of those kids who lives and works on the west side, and audibly groans when friends want to hang out on the opposite side of town. Of course, exceptions are made for good happy hour specials and a sloppy brunch.

My venture on the crosstown bus proved worthy when I arrived to Madison Square Park (23rd Street & Broadway) on Wednesday to meet two old friends I hadn’t seen in a while. We reunited to hear Raul Midon, a blind soul/pop guitarist we’ve followed for years.

I discovered Midon at Joe’s Pub about five years ago. He recently received a glowing review from the New York Times for his JVC Jazz Festival performance, and described as “…a one-man band who turns a guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus.” Check out his tour schedule at www.raulmidon.com - he’s incredible.

As someone who makes it a point to stay on top of free events in the city, I was shocked (appalled! horrified!) to find that there is a free outdoor concert series taking place in New York City without my knowledge. How did this music series escape me? Was it because it’s just east of 5th Avenue, therefore falling off my radar? Perhaps.

Make it a point to attend at least one Mad. Sq. Music concert, which takes place every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Madison Square Park. This concert series started six years ago and will continue this summer through August 6, rain or shine.

It’s less crowded than the New York Philharmonic in Central Park, there’s ample shade from the surrounding trees and great sightlines as chairs are prohibited. All in all, a great way to end your workday. I enhanced up my east side experience with delicious chocolate soup dumplings from nearby Rickshaw Dumpling Bar on 23rd Street.