As I was exploring the blossoming downtown Main Street retail scene earlier today, I came across a very pleasant surprise. My next door neighbor, Mykey “Cosmic Brother” Bellow, was performing across the street from the Market Arcade building, busking (with license in hand) with a gypsy companion who had recently blown into town.
Listening to Cosmic Brother play his guitar, drum and whatever else he had at his disposal, got me to thinking about an idea that I once had for Elmwood Avenue. As a public art project, I proposed installing a series of public art easels, soap boxes, and music stands, where artists could station themselves and feel that they were welcome – an invitation to create.
Last year, Just Buffalo Literary Center ran with the idea of the soap box, see here. But I’m talking about permanent art stations, where artists could perform spoken word, paint, play music, etc.
The sounds that Cosmic Brother was sending down Main Street created life and beauty, in a part of the city that is still in the process of rebounding. “I hope that my music shows people that love is important,” CB told me. “Parents should give their kids the gift of knowledge, not an X-Box.” Those were the words of wisdom that the musician shared with me, as I stuffed a few dollars into his paint can.
I love the architecture on Main Street. I am happy to see businesses return to the corridor. At the same time, it’s these types of transcendental experiences that tie everything together, placing importance on humanity through shared artistic experiences.