Tag: Karina Rykman

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Marco Benevento, Karina Rykman and David Butler took the Brooklyn Bowl stage for an upbeat celebration honoring induvidual self expression. The charistmatic smiles beaming from the stage reflected the jovial comradery happening down in the crowd. While the ever present bowling alley was running simultaneously to the performance, it became apparent that Marco’s gathering was happening in what some Lebowski fans might consider The Dude’s Temple.

Many parallels between mindset masters Marco Benevento and The Dude existed that night. There was an overarching reminder to the revitalization that occurs whenever time has been carved to show up for something with the power to ignite minds and hearts alike. The social connection, dancing, individual expression and unexpected favorite cover all contributed towards an emotional elixer helpful in priming the system for the upcoming holiday season.

The Dude Abides | Let It Slide

The opening tune of the night “Let It Slide” set tone for the night to be upbeat, full of personality and constantly shifting. The catchy tune and “rhythmic chordy bass” drew a lasting attention to the stage to the point where time seemed like it began to fly by. The metaphysical shift that happened with a song like this allowed for the outside world to fall away because senses were being flooded with every happy neurotransmitter imaginable. It was impactful enough to carry through the rest of the night. By letting it slide, fans were able to abide which resulted in the ability to be taken on a journey without having to think too deeply in the moment.

That Rug Really Tied The Room Together | The Royal Potato Family

That Rug Really Tied The Room Together | The Royal Potato Family From upstate to down south, the atmosphere was positively unified. Attendees, colorful and diverse, all shared a familial bond that clearly valued making a conscious effort in being attentive to one another. One woman from Knoxville made sure to ask everyone at the table if they would like a beverage or needed anything before she departed on her own beer run. A potato cannon firing distance away from the Fred Short Recording Studio, family and friends close to the artists stacked up to show support as if it were their kid at little leauge. Notably, Melt guitarist and vocalist Marlo and Veronica made time during the bands headlining national tour in order to show some love for their bud Karina. The collection of people both new and familiar with the music wove together in order to create a beautiful, robust rug that provided a sense of safety and joyful company. To add a little bit of adorable fringe to the experience, Marco’s wife screen printed custom t shirts in their basement specifically for the Brooklyn Bowl event. Each band member wore the shirt and Marco could be seen making funny faces at her throughout the night.

New Shit Has Come To Light | Heartbeats

Never once did the joy become irritating or overdone. The pure honestly in the fun being had by all in the room and gratitude felt had its roots deeply in the concept of “all things considered”. The music never commanded listeners to think or feel differently, rather, an offering of an alternative mindset to live in the moment was presented. The wildcard cover of “Heartbeats” by The Knife speaks of submission to moments of forbidden love and while beautiful, provided a nice balance of darkness to the mood. The reminder evoked inspiration to never ignore those precious moments when desire has sparked and opportunity has presenteditself.

The Dude Is Not In | Here To Percieve

Anyone that walked down the alley and into Brooklyn Bowl for Marco Benevento’s performance likely assumed that they would experience upbeat, genre-nomadic music. Not everyone knew the level of rejeuvination they were about to experience through music, community and an opportunity to look at the world differently. Attendees probably wore some of their most coveted and unique articles of clothing after very carefully taking into account how the material might look on the dancefloor. Little did some know, the fur vests, tie dye, geometric glasses and bold lipstick were symbollic to the loving embrace Marco’s music gives to individuality and self expression. During the recent tumultuoius times, it has become increasingly important to find out what The Dude was feeling when he laid on the rug with his headphones in.

You’re Out Of Your Element, Donny | At The End Or The Beginning?

For some, the start of holiday season in New York City could mean a dreamy illumination of the city, Rockefeller center and time with loved ones. For others, it could be the most difficult dark season they have experienced yet. Covid tests are flying off shelves so families can be reunited for traditions to resume. Conversely, many are faced with the tidal wave of grief pulsing with each gathering that might not include that favorite person no longer with us. Invitations have not been passed along to certain people because they have been rejected by their families opposing fiercly to welcoming LGBTQIA+ members into their household.

Social media feeds filled with family photos are a constant reminder of what we do not have or what we used to have but recently lost. The last two years on their own have contributed to an influx of loneliness and depression especially during the time of year when the sun shines least. Financial pressure to show love by spending non existant money contributes to levels of anxiety that only can be reached by a threatened sense of ability to meet societal expecations. The entire night felt like it provided family and support for anyone disheartened by the world. Hope sparked all thoughtout the night.

Let’s Go Bowling | Random Note

Marco Benevento’s Brooklyn Bowl performance provided a dream-like, restorative experience where the aforementioned conditions need not be the single identifier to one’s experience. It is not to encourage denial of such things but to instead focus on the things that emote joy. In Marco’s Interview over the summer, he mentioned often starting his creative process with drum machines or randomly generated notes. There was rarely an intention to use these starter tracks in the final project, but it got the ball rolling and his head in the creative space. The sounds were often silly and the instruments not particularly coveted. The lack in seriousness seemed to also help in the process and stay at minimum net netural, which for many of us could be a whole lot better compared to their current mindset. For music fans, it is important to buy the ticket and go to the show. Bringing along a friend that might have it rough this time of year would not be a bad idea. The point being, once in the environment alongside appealing sounds, sights and people, the emotional and mindful shift will automatically follow.

This time of year, it is important that we take after Marco’s fans and check in with each other whether we are at a show or not. Think twice before making family brag posts and consider other ways to show your appreciation more privately in order to respect those experiencing a more fragile season. Most importantly, if you need help, not matter how embarrassing, please tell someone or call the New York Emotional Support Hotline CALL: 1-844-863-9314

Marco Benevento – Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg, NY – November 27, 2021

Setlist: Let It Slide, Dropkick, If I Get To See You At All, Coyote Hearing, Greenpoint, Heartbeats (The Knife), Bus Ride, The Story Of Fred Short, At The End Or The Beginning?

To learn more, check out our exclusive interview and a review of Let It Slide.