Having seen The Roots perform at the old CBGB’s during fashion week and later on the Intrepid within weeks of each other, I’ve enjoyed following The Roots crew around on their tour of New York City landmarks.
Since its heyday of action during World War II , aircraft carrier the USS Intrepid has hosted New Yorkers and tourists alike to preserve and showcase the relics of the most widespread war of our country’s history. However, on Thursday night the Intrepid attracted a different crowd, one looking to party and enjoy the musical stylings of DJ Vice, The Hold Steady, and most of all The Roots for the first-ever concert on its main flight deck.
Myself and over 2,000 New Yorkers made there way on to the Intrepid’s flight deck , which happened to have an assortment of helicopters, fighter jets, and other World War II vehicles. It was very cool setting for attendees to mingle and dance to the sounds of DJ Vice. I was literally in awe of the gorgeous cityscape view. The stage was stationed at the edge of the Intrepid, against The Hudson River, and I was lucky enough to score a coveted spot close to the front of the crowd , which was so large it nearly covered the giant deck. While I had never listened to their music before, The Hold Steady gave an entertaining performance, but truthfully I was anxious for The Roots to take the stage.
Similar to the set which I saw at what was formerly CBGB’s, The Roots played a mix of some of their greatest hits, old and new, along with some great covers. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses and Jungle Boogie by Kool and the Gang were definitely the crowd favorites. It also happened to be the eve of The Roots guitarist Captian Kirk Douglas’ birthday. Douglas serenaded the crowd with his hypnotic version of Donna Summers’ Love to Love You Baby. Black Thought, lead singer of the band, also confirmed on stage that their Undun album would be released next month!
As someone who enjoyed the entire night, and truly believed it to be an amazing experience atop one of New York City’s most historic sites, I hope that this isn’t the last concert I attend aboard the Intrepid.
The Intrepid Flight Deck against the New York cityscape!
DJ Vice spins!
Stylist Keino Benjamin
