If you're ready to feel the beat of live music running through your veins, but not quite ready for the crowds concerts normally bring, you've come to the right place.
BAM, in partnership with Silkroad and Brooklyn Navy Yard, is hosting one-on-one concerts for New Yorkers to enjoy a personalized show from one of 45 acclaimed New York musicians — for free.
Over two weekends -- May 8-9 and 15-16 -- music lovers and adventurous listeners can be part of the NY premiere of 1:1 CONCERTS©, curated by Silkroad and performed at Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Nestled in secluded corners of the yard, the musicians will play a ten-minute, one-on-one performances, creating an intimate and utterly unique concert experience, BAM said in a press release.
The musical program is curated by Silkroad collective and features instruments including accordion, cello, clarinet, double bass, erhu, flute, Celtic harp, oud, percussion, saxophone, trumpet, and viola. Much of the repertoire will be played from memory and chosen in the moment.
BAM's Artistic Director David Binder said he was excited for each guest to see the navy in a new light and embrace the possibility of discovering a new instrument or piece of music selected just for them.
"This unprecedented live musical experience has struck a chord with audiences all over the world, reminding us that music is a gift."
Nine socially distanced concert sites will be set up at the yard, in locations that range from industrial warehouses, to open air rooftops, to a "botanic wonderland."
When guests arrive, they will be escorted through alleyways, nooks and corridors, giving a rare behind-the-scenes look at the historic landmark.
Silkroad artist Mazz Swift said bringing together the musicians from different musical backgrounds to create "individual gems of experience for one person at a time" was thrilling.
"Add to that the stunning vistas and eclectic spaces the Brooklyn Navy Yard has to offer, and I'm convinced there really couldn't be a better way to draw people back to connection through music," Swift said.
"It's going to be an experience of a lifetime; transformational for both artist and listener."
The musicians and organizers are asking concert-goers to reciprocate for the free shows by supporting local cultural institution Weeksville Heritage Center.
Each concert must be reserved in advance either at BAM.org or by calling the box office at 718.636.4100 x1.
