Parents in Town: Barge Music

There's no shortage of things to do in Brooklyn when the parents come to town. Today's agenda included brunch at Miriam, a stop at Lily (cute $34 green top) and Soula, (super comfy $95 fs/ny flats--both people in front of me also purchased a pair) a walk through Brooklyn Heights (does anyone know what the Floating Pool Lady is?--above), a stroll down the promenade, leisurely Brooklyn Bridge park hopping, and classical music on a barge.

Music on the barge was the one thing I'd never done before, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes an intimate classical concert and isn't bothered by a bit of rocking when the big boats roll by. Truth be told for the first two pieces, I felt like I was on six bottles of beer, but once my insides got used to the lilt of the outside, I enjoyed being within spitting distance of the performers. The barge itself is pretty cool--wood paneled interior, wood floor, and a raised stage with a grand piano, plus the performers of the day. My favorite part was listening to the music and watching the birds float by in front of the Manhattan skyline.

Here's the program ($30 a ticket):

Piston Duo for Viola and Cello
Lees Contrasts for Solo Violin (World premiere--the composer was in the audience)
Beethoven String Trio in G major. Op. 9, No.1
Schumann String Quartet in   F Major, Op. 41, No. 2

Hiroko Yajima, Violin
Harumi Rhodes, Violin
Samuel Rhodes, Viola
Marcy Rosen, Cello