Revisiting a classic 'New Amsterdam'

 

Something different for this Friday-at-5 segment.

This video premiered on June 23 ... "New Amsterdam" composed by Moondog and performed by Calefax Reed Quintet... and filmed and edited by East Village resident H. Paul Moon. 

You can read more about the making of the video here. 

As you'll see, the East Village has a supporting role, including St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, First Park and First Street Art Park. 

In addition, there's a scene where Moondog biographer Robert Scotto — a West Village resident — sits on the stoop of the composer's former address at 179 E. Third St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

This piece from Untapped Cities has more about Moondog, born Louis Hardin in 1916 ... aka "the Viking of Sixth Avenue" ... 

Moondog was a fixture of two different worlds in New York City. He was both a respected musician who worked with big names in genres ranging from classical to jazz to rock music, as well as an enigmatic street performer.