DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK screening at Rucker Park Basketball Courts in Harlem
July 17th, 2012 by Mr. C
Last Saturday, I stopped by the Rucker Park Basketball courts in Harlem – the mecca for street ball fanatics – for the outdoor screening of Bobbito Garcia’s aka Kool Bob Love & Kevin Couliau’s new documentary on pick-up basketball in NYC called DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK. It was fitting that they would hold a screening like this at one of the most sacrilegious B-Ball courts in the NYC to celebrate pick up ball where the game is not just a sport but a way of life to some. To be honest, the movie setup was not conducive for optimal viewing using one of those inflatable screens set further back from the bleacher sets at the park, however the energy of the crowd with Bobbito in the house and some basketball legends like Pee Wee Kirkland & West 4th St. baller legends – Sherman & Black Jack Ryan roaming around the paint, meeting and greeting everyone – it definitely made for an exciting event! DJ Jaz was also on the cut to let the rhythm hit’em before showtime!
(BOBBITO GARCIA – Co-director of film/DJ-Hip Hop legend/basketball fiend)
(Basketball legend PEE WEE KIRKLAND droppin’ some knowledge to the young’uns)
DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK basically takes a no frills look at the playgrounds of NYC where pickup basketball games are being had and NEXT is being called by a brave opponent willing to put their skills out to the test with a serious risk of being humiliated and ridiculed from the opposition. Bobbito would narrate the film as he and co-director Kevin Couliau bicycle around all 5 boroughs of NYC to as many basketball courts as possible, I believe he said they went to 150+ courts to survey the situation and also pound the pavement with some pickup games! The objective of the documentary was to celebrate the history, culture, social impact, and international influences of New York’s street b-ball scene. Of course, this would also include cameos from well known individuals that grew up and developed their skills by playing ball in the parks. Dr. J, Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson, Earl The Goat, Pee Wee Kirkland, Fly Williams, Black Jack, Sherman, Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams, & Tim ‘Headache’ Gittens are just a few new york legends in the mix. Even NBA players are known to show up at some of these games to play. It must of been wild to see the likes of Kevin Durant, Vince Carter, Lebron James, Skip to My Lou, Chris Mullin, and others NBA stars take flight at the Rucker! Crazy Legs Colon – a well known b-boy from the Rock Steady Crew mentions that all kinds of events would be happening alongside the pickup games at the park like breakdancing on cardboard boxes. I think we have a lot to be thankful for to the game of basketball for providing a constructive outlet and by keeping our kids off the streets. Thanks to the City of New York for maintaining and updating the b-ball courts in the N-Y and of course a big mention to all the common basketball players that have the balls to call “next” at the cage!
(Black Jack Ryan – a legendary player from the West 4th street courts in the village)
(DJ JAZ blowing up the bigs with a blend of rock and hip hop.)
The next DOIN’ IT AT THE PARK free outdoor screening is slated for August 12 in Harlem at Marcus Garvey Park at 7pm. Music performances by YERBABUENA and DJ Bobbito Garcia are scheduled before showtime!
(All Photos and text by mr c)
Tags: movies, new york city, street ball
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