Summer and all!! (Central Park, Strawberry Fields)

Yet another Beetles tribute: Strawberry Fields, Central Park

Thankfully the weather cleared. But by that time it had already dampened my plans for a run around the Reservoir. To be fair I was looking for an excuse.

I went out for a coffee though. And then walked to Strawberry Fields in Central Park (West 72nd street) hoping some music would salvage my day. I am not really big into any band and that includes the Beatles but live music is always uplifting. Especially if you get to hear the odd song that you know :). Make it a point to pass by Strawberry Fields (SF) every time I go to Central park (for those of you who don’t know, it’s the part of the park that is dedicated to John Lennon).

The first time I went to “SF” was two years ago when I was visiting NYC. Somebody recommended it and I am glad he did. I was blown away by the city on that visit and needless to say the couple of hours in Central park were the highlight of my stay. It was a long weekend (probably the 4th of July one). The city was buzzing with tourist (like me) and sailors. Central Park was on that surreal day an eclectic mix of people, music and relaxation. For people from tropical cultures like me, the romanticization of summers by western writers / journalist was always hard to grasp growing up. But that day I knew exactly why. I guess the winters are so hard (I am yet to spend my first one in NYC..not looking forward to it :)) that when summer comes there is no reason to stay indoors and not celebrate. Besides it not as hot as Southern India or the Middle East :).

Anyway I was talking about SF. The same bunch of guys play Beetles music every weekend (probably even weekdays but I have never been on a weekday to be sure). I recognized couple of faces from my visit two years back (The Filipino looking guy in the NYC cap…same fricking cap too!!). It’s incredible. Their passion for music and for one band!! I know Beetles are not just another band especially for folks who grew up in that era but to show up in a park every weekend and play the same songs to passersby crowds, who immortalize you in their memories (if at all) and nothing else, requires a special kind of passion. The fact that none of them look like they stay at Trump Plaza makes them even more lovable. People from all around the world, a lot of who don’t know anything about SF or maybe even Beetles (yes there are places like that!!) stand together and swing their heads (some sing along) in appreciation. I didn’t get the goose bumps today I got the first time but like I said earlier it sure is uplifting. Let it be!